China Wants Humanoid Robot Mass Production by 2025—Complete with Brains

China wants mass production of humanoid robots, fast, and with a twist.

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) issued a lengthy advisory calling on the country’s manufacturing sector to “establish a humanoid robot innovation system, make breakthroughs in several key technologies, and ensure the supply of core components” by 2025. They intend to become the global leader in the technology by 2027.

The MIIT also wants the “brain,” “cerebellum,” and “limbs” of humanoid robots to be achieved through AI advances. Other specs include usability in “harsh” and dangerous conditions but don’t specify if that means law enforcement, firefighting, or military use. So far, the U.S. has an edge over China. Interestingly, Boston Dynamics has been aiming to tamp down increased calls for armed robots.