Robot dog reveals China’s super advantage

Humanoid robots are set to take over factories, elderly care and households. China is investing heavily. Nvidia is preparing for “billions of robots”. But why do they have to have heads, arms and legs?

HANGZHOU. Two women squat down and extend their hands, palms up – just like you would to a real dog. Even though the four-legged creature in front of them is made of plastic and metal. It holds out a beautiful paw, the women coo and pat the robot on the back.

They are part of a steady stream of visitors to robot manufacturer Unitree’s office in the Chinese city of Hangzhou. Interest in robots has been hot since the company’s humanoid robots took part in a televised dance performance during the Chinese New Year in January.