In recent months, the spotlight on humanoid robots has intensified, driven by high-profile events that showcase both their potential and limitations. From the first Embodied Intelligence Robot Games in Wuxi to the Beijing Yizhuang Half-Marathon, these mechanical entities have captured public imagination while sparking critical debates about their practical utility and commercial viability. As a journalist covering this emerging sector, it is essential to dissect the dual narrative of technological triumphs and lingering challenges, drawing insights from industry stakeholders, investors, and experts who navigate this complex landscape.
The Rise of Humanoid Robots in Public Consciousness
The Embodied Intelligence Robot Games in Wuxi marked a significant milestone, bringing together over 100 enterprises and 150 robot “athletes” that competed in races, football matches, 格斗 (note: translated as “combat”), and even dance performances . These events served as a showcase for hardware capabilities, motion control algorithms, and cognitive computing, with judges evaluating robots on gait efficiency, battery life, and even facial expression recognition . The spectacle highlighted progress since the 2024 World Artificial Intelligence Conference, where some robots still required 吊装 assistance; now, they could complete races independently, a testament to technological leaps in mobility and autonomy .
Yet, the hype is not without scrutiny. The Beijing Yizhuang Half-Marathon revealed vulnerabilities: several robots stumbled, suffered from overheating, or ran out of power mid-race, prompting questions about their readiness for real-world applications . Such incidents fueled skepticism, with critics dismissing humanoid robots as glorified “electric toys” unable to transition from exhibition to productivity .
Investors and industry leaders, however, frame these events differently. A venture capitalist focused on embodied intelligence drew a parallel to the first automobile races in the 19th century, where early failures were met with mockery but ultimately paved the way for automotive dominance . “These competitions are not about perfection; they are about progress,” the investor noted. “Every fall, every mechanical hiccup, provides data that drives innovation. Just as cars evolved from unreliable contraptions to essential tools, humanoid robots are in their formative testing phase.”
Technical Hurdles and the Path to Maturity
The Wuxi games underscored specific technical bottlenecks that must be addressed for humanoid robots to evolve beyond novelties. Overheating in joints, for instance, remains a critical issue, causing performance degradation and occasional collapses . Engineers attribute this to the high energy demands of dynamic movement, which strain thermal management systems. Similarly, poor dynamic balance—evident in robots struggling to navigate uneven terrain—highlight gaps in sensor integration and real-time data processing .
Battery life is another Achilles’ heel. Many robots required mid-race battery swaps, a logistical challenge that would hinder practical applications in industries like logistics or healthcare . While advancements in solid-state batteries and wireless charging offer hope, current limitations force designers to prioritize efficiency over ambition.
Yet, the industry views these challenges as solvable through iterative development. Open-source securities analysts emphasize China’s unique advantage in supply chain coordination and real-world scenario testing, which accelerate problem-solving . By subjecting robots to rigorous, public trials, engineers can identify weaknesses and refine designs—a process analogous to how early aviation pioneers learned from crashes and mechanical failures.
Debating the Bubble: Optimism vs. Caution
As humanoid robots gain traction in financial markets, debates about speculative bubbles have intensified. Jinshajiang Venture Capital’s Managing Partner Zhu Xiaohu sparked controversy by urging caution, arguing that unclear commercialization pathways warrant a strategic exit for investors while market enthusiasm remains high . His comments resonated after the marathon mishaps, with some observers warning of a repeat of the 2016 “bubble” when a wave of startups flooded the market after a UBTECH robot appeared on the CCTV Spring Festival Gala, only to face mass attrition .
However, not all see 泡沫 (note: translated as “speculative bubbles”) as inherently destructive. Some investors argue that capital inflows, even when excessive, drive innovation by funding research and infrastructure that might otherwise go underdeveloped . “Every tech revolution has its bubble phase,” noted one venture capitalist. “It’s a natural part of the cycle. What matters is whether the foundational technology survives the correction.”
Leju Robotics founder Leng Xiaokun, who witnessed the 2016 boom and bust, emphasizes the need for clarity on value proposition. “The core issue today is the same as seven years ago: companies haven’t articulated how humanoid robots will create tangible value for users,” he said . “Without that, the industry will enter another cool-down period by year-end. We’re being carried by hype, not substance.”
Industrial Trials and the Search for Commercial Viability
Amid the debate, some companies are shifting focus from public spectacles to practical applications. Harbin Institute of Technology’s Robot Research Institute Director Zhao Jie revealed that humanoid robots are already undergoing “internships” in industrial settings, testing their ability to perform routine tasks alongside human workers . While it remains unclear whether humanoid forms are essential for these roles—cobots (collaborative robots) with simpler designs often suffice—the trials represent a pivotal step toward commercialization.
“Industrial adoption isn’t about replacing humans; it’s about augmenting capabilities,” Zhao explained. “Even if a robot only matches human performance, that’s a starting point. We need to prove reliability before we can talk about superiority.”
Leng echoes this sentiment, advocating for a phased approach. He estimates that technical readiness for household use could take 3-5 years, but widespread adoption—factoring in safety, ethics, and social acceptance—may require 5-10 years . “Marathons are impressive, but let’s not forget we’re still in the infancy of this technology. Society needs time to adapt, and companies need time to refine their offerings.”
The Future: A Decade of Foundation Building
Zhao frames humanoid robotics as a “future industry,” emphasizing that its true impact will unfold over decades, not years . “A ‘future industry’ isn’t something that will dominate the market in five years. It’s a sector we invest in today to lay the groundwork for tomorrow,” he said. “Our role now is to solve fundamental problems—mobility, perception, energy efficiency—and let the applications emerge organically.”
This long-term vision contrasts with the short-term expectations of some investors, but it aligns with the historical trajectory of transformative technologies. Just as the internet took decades to evolve from academic networks to global infrastructure, humanoid robots will require patience and sustained investment.
For now, the industry stands at a crossroads: on one hand, the allure of groundbreaking innovation and market disruption; on the other, the sobering reality of technical and commercial hurdles. As journalists, our role is to chronicle both the triumphs and the setbacks, to hold up a mirror to the industry’s aspirations while questioning its assumptions.
In the end, the story of humanoid robots is not just about machines; it’s about human ambition, the interplay of hype and reality, and the enduring quest to create tools that redefine what’s possible. Whether these robots become the next industrial revolution or a footnote in tech history remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the world will be watching as they take their next steps—stumbles and all.