Robots show off dexterity in cable connection challenge for 2nd World Humanoid Robot Games

A total of 14 teams advanced to the final stage of cable connection for the upcoming second World Humanoid Robot Games after a preliminary round completed on Monday in Beijing.

During the preliminary round, robots demonstrated their dexterity by aligning the USB plug with the port and applying precise pressure to complete the connection. The challenge lies in the USB's orientation -- distinguishing between positive and negative sides -- and requires the robot to identify the correct side before proceeding. The task also demands controlled force application, testing the robot's grip strength and fine motor precision.

The challenge underscores the importance of delicate manipulation and advanced control algorithms and robots must replicate human-like finger dexterity to perform such intricate tasks effectively.

Following intense competition, 14 teams successfully completed the cable connection task, earning their place in the upcoming final out of 24 teams.

"During the process of testing, we observe how the robots use their hands. For example, some utilize a single hand, while others employ two hands working together. This also indicates how well the robots have understood the competition rules during training. Robots capable of using both hands simultaneously tend to complete tasks more efficiently and quickly than those relying on just one," said Wang Shilong, chief judge for the agile hand category of the World Humanoid Robot Games.

The cable connection challenge is a core part of the second World Humanoid Robot Games, focusing on the precision and dexterity of humanoid manipulators. It integrates cutting-edge end-effector technology with sophisticated manipulation algorithms, aiming to push the boundaries of robots' fine motor capabilities.

Jointly hosted by the Beijing municipal government and China Media Group (CMG), the second World Humanoid Robot Games will be held at the National Speed Skating Oval, also known as the "Ice Ribbon," in Beijing from August 22 to 26.

The event has attracted 666 teams and 2,056 robots from 16 countries. It includes 30 competitive events spanning ball games and combat categories, plus 21 scenario-based challenges covering industrial assembly and home services.

Robots show off dexterity in cable connection challenge for 2nd World Humanoid Robot Games

With the fishing season kicking off on Sunday at the end of an annual fishing moratorium, fleets of fishing vessels set sail from Zhuhai in south China's Guangdong Province, while a grand seafood festival drew hungry tourists from across China, including the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions, to sample the freshest catches of the year.

Over 100 fishing boats departed in an orderly fashion from the Hongwan Central Fishing Port after the summer fishing ban was lifted on the South China Sea. Prior to departure, fishermen had completed ice resupply, net repairs and refueling. Fishery administration and maritime authorities carried out safety inspections, while border inspection departments streamlined customs procedures to facilitate smooth clearance for navigation of fishing vessels between Hong Kong, Macao and Guangdong.

A seafood festival was held on the same day, drawing large numbers of out-of-town visitors who made special trips to sample the fresh seafood.

"[My relatives] have settled here and brought me here. The weather is hot, and the atmosphere is even hotter!" said a tourist coming from Changsha, the provincial capital city of central China's Hunan Province which neighbors Guangdong.

"The vibe here is fantastic. A lot of people from Hong Kong and Macao come over. I could tell because the parking lot was completely full," said a tourist from Macao.

According to statistics, this year's fishing ban involved 927 Zhuhai-registered fishing vessels and 569 Hong Kong-Macao mobile fishing vessels. By Aug 16, nearly 1,000 vessels had cast off their moorings and set sail from Zhuhai, ushering in a new season of fishing.

The annual seasonal ban, which ran from May 1 to August 16, is intended to protect fishery stocks by restricting commercial fishing across designated waters in the South China Sea.

Fishing season in south China's Guangdong draws crowds of seafood fans