China is making significant strides in humanoid robotics, with a strong emphasis on affordability and efficiency.
This focus was evident at the recent World Robot Conference in Beijing, where Chinese companies introduced innovative components aimed at reducing production costs while maintaining high standards of innovation.
As China speeds up its humanoid robot development, its supply chains highlighted more cost-effective and creative solutions at the conference. However, some industry experts warn that improvements in product reliability are still needed.
Wisson Technology (Shenzhen), known for its flexible robotic arms, has chosen a different path by bypassing traditional motors and reducers—commonly used in robotics—in favour of 3D-printed plastics and pneumatic artificial muscles.
This economical production approach allows Wisson to offer its flexible arms at roughly one-tenth the price of conventional robotic arms, according to Cao Wei, a partner at venture capital firm Lanchi Ventures and an investor in Wisson.
Wisson anticipates that this adaptable technology will reduce the price of robotic arms to around 10,000 yuan ($1,404), as stated on its website.
Cao noted that these flexible arms could be utilised in humanoid robots, and the company has already provided samples to international humanoid robot manufacturers, although no further details were disclosed.