Serbia launches Chinese-backed humanoid robot production

Serbia's first robot factory, jointly built with China, officially started production on Saturday in the western city of Sabac, making it the first humanoid robot mass production base in Europe.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic attended the launch ceremony, saying the factory marks an important step for Serbia's future.

At the launch ceremony, Vucic was greeted by a humanoid robot.

Vucic said humanoid robot production has opened new technological frontiers for the country. He expressed gratitude for China's support and noted that Serbia is becoming a pioneer in mass production of humanoid robots in Europe.

"I would like to thank President Xi Jinping for your strong support and deep friendship to Serbia. What is happening today in Sabac is of great significance to us. We are becoming a pioneer in the mass production of humanoid robots in Europe," Vucic said.

Serbia hopes to integrate robot manufacturing with industries such as artificial intelligence, supercomputing, and data centers to drive local talent development and employment and secure an important position for Serbia in Europe's robotics industry development, Vucic said.

The factory, built with an initial investment of 20 million euros, covers approximately 3,000 square meters. It focuses on assembling humanoid robots and robotic dogs, as well as calibrating and testing their movement and vision systems.

Different models of humanoid robots are being produced at the factory. They will first be used in industrial production and later expanded to sectors such as education and public services.

As planned, a robot industrial park will be built in Serbia with a total investment of about 200 million euros. Upon full completion of the project, the annual production capacity of humanoid robots and robotic dogs is expected to reach up to 20,000 units, with products targeting European and global markets.

Serbia launches Chinese-backed humanoid robot production

Europe is staring down another winter energy crunch as gas reserves are on track to hit their lowest level in 13 years, fueling "winter panic" across energy markets, The Guardian reported on Saturday.

According to the UK newspaper, the European Union (EU)’s gas storage sat at just 63 percent in the final week of August, far below the seasonal average of roughly 80 percent recorded in recent years. At the current rate of consumption and refilling, the bloc is projected to enter the winter heating season with reserves at their lowest since 2013, experts were quoted as saying.

The report attributed the shortfall to multiple converging pressures. Ongoing military conflict involving the United States and Israel against Iran has disrupted energy exports from the Gulf region, making it increasingly difficult for the EU to achieve its gas storage target of 80 percent full by the start of winter. At the same time, a bitterly cold end to last winter and scorching heatwaves across Europe this summer have driven up natural gas demand for electricity generation, accelerating the depletion of already dwindling stockpiles, it said.

'Winter panic' looms over Europe as gas reserves heads for 13-year low: UK newspaper