China's humanoid robots are quickly becoming adept at household tasks, as engineers equip them with the dexterity and intelligence to handle general housekeeping and applications in senior care.
Among the contenders in this emergent sector is Hubei Optics Valley Dongzhi Embodied Intelligence Technology. Their robot, Lumen, has already mastered skills including serving beverages, folding clothes and making a bed.
After debuting earlier this month at the 3rd China International Supply Chain Expo, the model has attracted potential customers with its remarkable agility and posture control.
"In terms of the hardware, Lumen's movement boasts 40 degrees of freedom, and you can see the finger joints in the hands - such nimble hands are essential for performing such complex operations. On the software side, we train the robot using a general-purpose embodied intelligence model. Although it may appear somewhat slow in executing tasks now, as the volume of data increases and iterates, it will grow smarter and eventually operate much more smoothly," said Qin Zhen, data operation manager at Hubei Optics.
According to Qin, researchers are training and updating Lumen at the Hubei Humanoid Robot Innovation Center to make it more adaptive to homes, supermarkets, factories and other scenarios.
Robotics companies are eager to move to market, but analysts say that research on robot safety certification and ethics of science and technology are needed before robot housekeepers enter homes and communities.
Despite the hurdles ahead, China's push to develop artificial intelligence and robotics for use in elderly care is already producing impressive results. In north China's Hebei Province, researchers at the Hebei University of Technology have developed a humanoid robot that can extend its arms to securely lift an individual from a bed and transfer them to a wheelchair.
"We are cooperating with hospitals and nursing homes to realize its specific application in different scenarios. We are improving its functions while promoting the robot in the market to prepare for mass production," said Li Yang, an intelligent rehabilitation devices researcher at the university.
Chinese robotics firms make leaps toward automated housekeeping
Chinese robotics firms make leaps toward automated housekeeping
Chinese robotics firms make leaps toward automated housekeeping
John Lee, chief executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), announced on Friday that an independent committee will have nine months to investigate the Wang Fuk Court fire that occurred in late November.
The fire, which erupted on November 26 in Tai Po, has claimed 160 lives as of 16:00 Tuesday, with six people still reported missing, according to authorities.
At a press conference, Lee said the committee will be led by Judge David Lok, chairman of the Electoral Affairs Commission, and will also include Legislative Council Finance Committee Chairman Chan Kin-por and outgoing MTR Corporation Chairman Rex Auyeung Pak-kuen.
"Nine months is a very challenging time indeed, but I want to solve the problem as quickly as possible. So I want to give what I regard as a time frame -- realistic -- provided the independent committee is given sufficient means to maneuver, while ensuring the examination is just. They can streamline procedure and be given more flexibility so that they can finish their work within the nine months. And I also have given them a reserve power. That is, if the independent committee considers, by examining all these complicated issues, there may be one which they think, by exercising the powers that is given to a statutory commissioner of inquiry, will help them complete their work, then I'm very willing to consider a recommendation by the independent commission to seek appointing them as the commission of inquiry," Lee said.
Lee noted that the committee's investigation will focus on the causes and circumstances of the fire, and whether systemic issues exist in large-scale building management and renovation projects.
The committee will also examine whether the current regulations and penalties are sufficient in these two areas and will make relevant recommendations. The investigation reports are expected to be made public.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, David Lok stressed the need for fairness and impartiality in the investigation, saying that he would refrain from commenting on the investigation until the committee completes its work.
"During this period, I hope everyone understands that although this is a committee, I am leading this work in my capacity as a judge. Judges must also adhere to certain professional principles, including being fair and impartial. We need to conduct rational analysis based on facts before making any factual judgments or recommendations; we cannot be emotional. Furthermore, we cannot have a pre-established position. In fact, before every judge hears a case, we should ideally start with a blank slate and cannot have a predetermined stance," said Lok.
"So today, if you ask me for my views on certain matters or how we will conduct the investigation, I’m afraid I won't be able to answer as freely as I could when I was at the Electoral Affairs Commission. But I hope all media friends and residents understand that I do not wish to evade questions; it is simply that some questions at this stage are inappropriate for the committee chair to answer. Therefore, during the investigation, I do not expect to speak with you again until our work is completed," he said.
Investigation into Tai Po fire to conclude within nine months: HKSAR chief executive
