Are we inching much closer to having our very own Rosey? (That’s a The Jetsons reference for anyone old enough to remember). Agibot, a Shanghai-based robotics start-up, has developed an advanced AI model that allows its humanoid robot to perform real-world tasks based on natural reasoning, rather than preprogrammed data. The company recently launched Genie Operator-1 (GO-1), a general-purpose AI brain that’s trained on real-world video data for enhanced decision-making and command-following abilities. 

In its launch trailer, the voice command activated robot demonstrated its butler abilities, such as pouring water, toasting bread, making coffee, and functioning as a front desk receptionist. GO-1 expands the application of humanoid robots beyond factories and laboratories, bringing them to businesses and private homes.

Established in 2023, the start-up was founded by Peng Zhihui, a former Huawei employee recruited under their “Genius Youth” program in 2020. Peng began as a robotics hobbyist, frequently sharing his creations on Bilibili, the Chinese video-sharing platform, as well as YouTube. 

After Peng’s high-profile hire, videos showcasing his innovative projects quickly went viral. Such as an AI autopilot bicycle and a Mars rover built from crab shells. One of Peng’s most popular creations is a wheel-legged robot inspired by Mega Man and Nezha’s fire wheels, affectionately named “neZHa” or “the New Equipment of ZhiHui Artificial.”

Humanoid robots might just be the next hot thing in China’s tech industry, with companies and research labs consistently achieving milestones. Recently, Zhongqing Robotics (EngineAI) landed the world’s first successful robot front flip. While XPeng, one of China’s largest electric vehicle manufacturers, announced plans to invest over 100 billion RMB ($13.8 billion USD) into humanoid robotics.

Beyond industry applications, humanoid robots have also been making appearances in mainstream media. This year’s Chinese Spring Gala featured a viral robot dance, where Unitree robots flawlessly executed a Yangge dance with perfect handkerchief tossing. And in April, Beijing will host the very first humanoid robots versus humans half-marathon, testing whether human endurance can outlast battery life. 

Cover image via Agibot.