As dawn broke over Taishan Mountain in eastern China's Shandong Province, an AI-powered quadruped robot skillfully navigated the treacherous "Eighteen Bends" trail.
Carrying a 120 kg load in a storage box strapped to its back, the metallic robot effortlessly climbed the 1,460-meter path, maneuvering around tourists with precision.
While hikers struggled to catch their breath on the 45-degree incline, the agile machine's smooth ascent quickly went viral on Chinese social media.
Deployed by a logistics company under the Taishan Cultural Tourism Group, the robotic dog is revolutionizing waste management and transportation in the scenic area.
With 8 million visitors generating 24,000 tonnes of waste annually, manual cleanup has proven both costly and hazardous.
"The robotic dog can scale mountains, traverse water, and overcome obstacles while carrying heavy loads, greatly improving efficiency," said a company representative.
This breakthrough at Taishan Mountain underscores China's booming consumer robotics market. AI-driven machines are transitioning from experimental innovations to essential tools across various industries.
Humanoid robots, interactive companions, and assistive technologies are gaining widespread adoption, with China's humanoid robot market projected to reach 5.3 billion yuan (approximately 739 million U.S. dollars) by 2025 and potentially expanding to 75 billion yuan by 2029, accounting for nearly a third of global sales, according to a 2024 industry report.
Government policies are playing a crucial role in accelerating AI robotics development.
In November 2023, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology issued a directive aiming for significant technological breakthroughs by 2025.
Cities such as Chongqing and Shenzhen are investing in embodied intelligence systems, enabling AI to interact with the physical world more effectively.
AI robots are also making a tangible impact on healthcare. In Chongqing, 70-year-old stroke survivor Zhang Li regained mobility using a wearable exoskeleton. "These devices analyze joint movements to predict intentions and adjust motor support, transforming rehabilitation for the elderly and disabled," explained Ge Chengjun, a marketing executive at a local medical technology company.
Beyond industrial and medical applications, AI robots are reshaping entertainment and personal companionship. One popular example is Sirius, a palm-sized robotic dog that dances, responds to commands, and wiggles its hips, delighting users with its interactive features.
"It’s a highly integrated, intelligent, four-legged robot designed to understand and respond to human interaction," said Kang Xiaohu, co-founder of Hengbot Innovation Ltd., the company behind the device.
From mountain-climbing logistics bots to eldercare assistants and interactive pets, AI robots are becoming an integral part of China’s consumer landscape. "This shift isn’t just about technological progress; it's about meeting fundamental human needs," said Kang.
