Post by : Raman

Photo : Reuters

Shanghai: Chinese technology company Ant Group, backed by billionaire Jack Ma, has officially unveiled its first humanoid robot, the R1. The announcement came at the 2025 Inclusion Conference on the Bund in Shanghai, signaling China’s increasing push to compete with the United States in the development of advanced technologies, especially artificial intelligence and robotics.

The R1 robot represents a significant step forward in the field of humanoid robots. Unlike traditional industrial robots that are mainly confined to factories, the R1 is designed to interact directly with humans and handle a wide range of daily tasks. According to the company, the robot can serve as a tour guide, help in pharmacies by sorting medicine, provide medical consultations, and even perform simple kitchen tasks, including preparing and serving meals. This makes it one of the most versatile humanoid robots showcased in China to date.

Ant’s Focus on AI Brains Rather Than Hardware

What sets Ant apart from other robotics companies is its focus on developing the “brains” of the robot rather than just the physical hardware. While many companies in the robotics sector prioritize mechanical design and engineering, Ant is emphasizing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to make its humanoid robots more intelligent and adaptable.

Zhu Xing, CEO of Ant’s robotics unit Robbyant, said, “If humanoid robots are used in homes, they won’t just help with everyday tasks, they will act like super-smart brains, tapping into cloud-based AI to assist with even more things. It makes sense for Ant to do this because our goal is to make people's lives easier, whether it be in payments, finance, or digital public services.”

The company aims to use its experience in financial technology, such as the Alipay digital payment system, to create robots that can also provide digital services in the home, workplace, and public spaces. Ant’s move highlights a strategic approach to combine robotics with AI, cloud computing, and big data to create intelligent, multifunctional machines.

Capabilities of the R1 Humanoid Robot

The R1 humanoid robot uses a large AI model that allows it to perform end-to-end planning of complex tasks. This means the robot can take a task, like preparing a meal, and figure out each step needed to complete it successfully. Its spatial perception system enables it to recognize the position and relationship of objects around it, such as tables, stoves, and utensils. This allows the robot to move around safely and interact with objects accurately.

For example, in a kitchen environment, the R1 can understand where ingredients are stored, how to use cooking appliances, and how to serve a meal to people. It can potentially learn new recipes and adapt to different kitchen tools, making it a highly flexible assistant. Beyond kitchens, the R1 could be deployed in hospitals, community care centers, pharmacies, and other environments where it can assist humans in meaningful ways.

Experts in robotics have noted that developing such an AI-driven humanoid robot is more challenging than building traditional robots. Andy Mok, a senior research fellow at the Center for China and Globalization in Beijing, stated, “The actual physical manufacturing can probably be outsourced relatively easily, but developing a sound and scalable AI model is key. One of the most important prerequisites will be the AI model and not necessarily the manufacturing or engineering. China has formidable competitors in this space.”

The Role of AI in Ant’s Robot Strategy

Artificial intelligence is at the core of Ant’s robot strategy. The company is developing its own large language model, named BaiLing, which can understand and process human instructions, make decisions, and learn from experience. This AI brain enables the robot to respond intelligently to dynamic situations, interact naturally with humans, and continuously improve its performance over time.

By combining AI with robotics, Ant aims to create machines that are not only capable of performing tasks but also capable of understanding context, reasoning, and adapting. This approach marks a departure from earlier generations of robots that could only perform pre-programmed routines in controlled environments.

Ant’s AI model also connects to cloud computing systems, which means the robot can access a vast amount of information, learn new skills remotely, and update its knowledge base continuously. In practical terms, this could allow a robot in a home or hospital to provide better guidance, adapt to new procedures, and improve its effectiveness in real-time.

Integration With Healthcare and Community Services

Ant has been investing in AI-driven healthcare solutions for several years. In June, the company introduced an AI application called AQ, which can analyze medical reports and provide recommendations to doctors. Earlier this year, Ant also acquired Haodf.com, an online healthcare platform in China, further expanding its presence in the medical technology sector.

The R1 robot could be integrated into healthcare settings, helping medical staff with routine tasks, managing logistics, and providing assistance to patients. In community centers, the robot could serve as a guide, assistant, or companion, making daily life easier and safer for elderly people or those with mobility challenges.

Partnerships and Manufacturing

The R1 robot is built using parts from Chinese suppliers. For example, Ti5 provides the joint modules that allow the robot to move its arms and legs with precision, while Galaxea AI, a company backed by Ant, provides the chassis. Ant is also in discussions with other robotics companies, including Unitree and Orbbec, to support production and further development.

While the robot’s physical construction can be outsourced, the development of the AI system remains in-house. This approach ensures that Ant maintains control over the robot’s intelligence, learning capabilities, and overall performance.

Testing and Safety Measures

For now, Ant is testing the R1 in controlled environments such as community care centers and select restaurants. The robot is not yet available for retail customers. The company has not announced a price, citing that it is still refining the design and capabilities of the robot.

These measures are in place to ensure safety and reliability, as humanoid robots interacting with humans in real-world settings face many challenges. The company aims to avoid accidents, errors, or misuse while refining the robot’s AI and physical functions.

China’s Growing Role in Robotics

China has one of the highest densities of robots per worker in factories worldwide, even higher than the United States and Japan. As a result, the country is well-positioned to advance the field of humanoid robotics. Companies like Ant are now focusing on robots that move beyond industrial applications to roles in daily life, healthcare, hospitality, and public service.

The R1 represents a new direction for robotics in China, where AI-driven humanoid robots could eventually become companions, assistants, and caregivers. By focusing on AI intelligence, Ant is aiming to create robots that not only perform tasks but also understand and adapt to human needs.

Future Prospects

Ant’s vision for the R1 robot extends beyond performing chores or assisting in hospitals. The company hopes that humanoid robots will one day become a regular part of homes and workplaces, helping with tasks ranging from household management to personal assistance. These robots could learn new skills over time, interact naturally with humans, and contribute to improving quality of life.

Zhu Xing summarized the company’s long-term goal: “Our aim is to make technology useful, safe, and accessible for everyone. If humanoid robots are used in homes, they will not just help with everyday tasks, they will become super-smart assistants.”

As China continues to develop AI and robotics, the competition with the United States is expected to intensify. Ant’s R1 robot represents an important milestone in this race, demonstrating how AI and robotics can combine to create intelligent machines capable of assisting humans in complex and meaningful ways.

The unveiling of Ant Group’s R1 humanoid robot is a landmark event in China’s robotics industry. By focusing on AI intelligence, adaptability, and real-world usefulness, Ant is pushing the boundaries of what humanoid robots can achieve.

While there are challenges ahead, including safety testing, real-world deployment, and further AI development, the R1 offers a glimpse into a future where robots are integrated into daily life, healthcare, and public service. Ant’s approach highlights the potential of AI-driven robots to transform how humans live and work, making technology a more active and intelligent part of society.

With its unique combination of AI, cloud computing, and robotic engineering, Ant is positioning itself as a leader in the next generation of humanoid robots. The R1 may be just the beginning of a new era where intelligent machines help people in ways previously only imagined in science fiction.

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