China, world's first humanoid robot training centre launched

An epoch-making breakthrough in the world of artificial intelligence and robotics is taking place in Shanghai, where China has inaugurated the world's first centre for training heterogeneous humanoid robots. The new Joint National and Local Centre for Innovation in Human Roboticslocated in the Zhangjiang district, covers over 5,000 square metres and represents one of the most ambitious infrastructures ever built in the industry.

The centre is expected to be fully operational by July 2025but already beyond one hundred prototypes of humanoid robotsfrom more than a dozen companies are participating in an intensive training programme. The objective is twofold: on the one hand to create a large shared database to improve machine learning, on the other hand to stimulate collaboration between companies and researchers, overcoming the currently existing technological fragmentation and promoting common standards.

A laboratory for evolving robots

The general manager of the centre, Xu Binexplained that the infrastructure was designed to address some of the key challenges of humanoid robotics, such as the lack of interoperability between robots built by different manufacturers, which are often incompatible with each other due to different modules and designs. "We created this centre to facilitate large-scale data sharingso as to strengthen the whole sector,' Xu stated in an interview with the Global Times.

The revolutionary aspect of this pole is not only the size or the number of robots involved, but above all the method of learning adopted. Robots are trained through fundamental motor activitiesdefined as 'atomic abilities', which include actions such as grab, collect, place e transporting objects. Every movement is recorded and analysed with extreme precision thanks to the sensors integrated in the robots, which generate essential data for their improvement.

Learning from human gestures

To feed this process, the centre employs a team of human trainers performing repetitive actions hundreds of times a day. The robots observe, record and attempt to replicate these gestures, thus developing increasingly refined motor skills. According to reports by The Papereven a small variation in the shape or angle of an object provides unique datawhich are essential to teach robots to adapt to small but significant changes in their environment.

The director of market systems at the centre, Yang Zhengyeexplained that each step is documented in great detail. This data, fed into the development models, enables the robots to cope with more complex tasks autonomously. Currently, the centre is able to produce between 20,000 and 30,000 data sets per day and aims to surpass the 50,000 daily sets once fully operational, with the aim of collecting over 10 million real data items by the end of 2025.

Ten application scenarios and millions of data

The centre has identified ten main application scenariosranging fromindustry at domestic servicesthrough the tourism, the healthcare and the maintenance in hazardous environments. Each scenario is divided into a series of specific sub-taskssuch as folding clothes, assembling components, tidying up objects or cleaning industrial machinery. The aim is to train robots not only to perform simple functions, but also to solve complex problems in real-life situations, learning to react flexibly.

A long-term strategic objective of the centre is the realisation of a data exchange platform between robot developers, enabling the sharing of information on specific tasks - such as the use of household appliances or healthcare - thus avoiding duplication of effort and accelerating technological innovation.

With this initiative, China consolidates its position of a global leader in the field of intelligent roboticscharting the course towards a future in which humanoid robots can be integrated into many aspects of everyday and working life.

Source: https://www.globaltimes.cn/