Meet R1: China’s AI-Powered Humanoid Robot That Cooks and Offers Medical Advice
Robbyant, a technology company supported by Alibaba founder Jack Ma and one of China's leading tech investors, has unveiled its first line of humanoid robots, according to a report by Bloomberg. This major reveal took place at the Integration Conference currently underway in Shanghai, which features a diverse range of Chinese companies showcasing cutting-edge technologies.
Multifunctional Robots for Home and Business
The newly unveiled humanoid robots are designed to perform a wide variety of tasks. Among their applications, they can function as tour guides, assist pharmacies in managing medications, provide medical consultations using artificial intelligence (AI), and even operate in households and kitchens to perform essential culinary tasks. This versatility positions the robots as a potential game-changer in both domestic and commercial environments.
China has seen a surge of companies entering the humanoid robotics sector, including Unitree Robotics, known for its unique models. Robbyant and its parent group, ANT, are among the latest entrants into this competitive market, signaling the growing importance of AI-driven automation in China.
ANT’s Unique Approach to Humanoid Robotics
Unlike many competitors, ANT focuses primarily on developing the AI that powers its robots rather than just the physical hardware. According to Zhou Xing, CEO of Robbyant, humanoid robots serve as an ideal platform for promoting deep language models and AI assistants, enabling seamless interaction between humans and machines.
Zhou emphasized, “Using humanoid robots at home is not limited to assisting with daily chores. These robots act as highly intelligent entities capable of leveraging AI servers rapidly to assist with numerous tasks. Therefore, our focus is logical—our goal at ANT is to make users’ lives easier.”
From Digital Payments to AI Robotics
ANT Group is widely recognized as a pioneer in digital payment systems, particularly through its flagship platform, AliPay, which dominates China’s e-payment ecosystem. The company has recently expanded its investments to include AI humanoid robots and advanced language models. Robbyant is developing its proprietary AI model called Bailing, which relies on Chinese-made chips for training.
For the construction of its first humanoid robot, named R1, the company sourced components from multiple Chinese suppliers. These include Ti5, responsible for developing robotic joints, and Galaxea AI, which manufactures the robot’s chassis. Robbyant is also exploring collaborations with Unitree and Orbbec, a company listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, to acquire additional components.
AI: The Key to Success
Andy Mok, a senior research fellow at the China and Globalization Center in Beijing, a non-governmental research organization, notes that the success of humanoid robotics will hinge on AI models rather than the manufacturing process, as hardware can be outsourced easily. ANT’s AI system allows the R1 robot to interact directly with users and autonomously plan complex tasks from start to finish.
The R1 robot is designed to handle tasks such as meal planning, preparation, and serving entirely independently, thanks to its AI-powered intelligence. Its advanced situational awareness system enables it to interact with various objects in its environment without human intervention, simulating a high level of autonomy.
Testing and Market Availability
According to Bloomberg, these claims are based on the company’s internal tests in its laboratories. The robots have not yet demonstrated these capabilities publicly, and consumer sales have not started. Robbyant has not yet disclosed pricing for the R1, emphasizing that the goal is to develop the robot at a minimal cost to make it accessible for household use and healthcare applications.
Looking Ahead
Robbyant’s R1 represents a significant step forward in the integration of AI into everyday life. By focusing on sophisticated language models and intelligent task management, the company aims to create robots that are not only functional but also capable of enhancing productivity and improving quality of life. With the support of Jack Ma and ANT Group, Robbyant is poised to become a major player in the emerging humanoid robotics sector.
The introduction of these AI-powered humanoid robots could revolutionize domestic and commercial environments, offering a glimpse into a future where intelligent robots assist humans in multiple spheres of life, from healthcare to household management. As Robbyant continues its research and development, the market will be closely watching how these innovations transform the landscape of robotics and AI in China and beyond.
In summary, Robbyant’s R1 humanoid robot is more than just a technological marvel—it embodies a new era of AI-driven human interaction, bridging the gap between advanced robotics and practical everyday applications. As ANT Group leverages its expertise in digital systems and AI, these robots have the potential to redefine how humans interact with machines in the coming years.
