"The National Development and Reform Commission, which sets economic strategy and shifts in policy, called attention Thursday to the proliferation of remarkably similar robots from more than 150 companies in the same field. The country must prevent that flood from overwhelming the market and squeezing out real research and development initiatives, agency spokeswoman Li Chao told reporters in Beijing on Thursday."
"Humanoid robot development and investment have exploded since Unitree's dancing droids charmed a nationwide audience during the Spring Festival Gala earlier this year. The ruling Communist Party designated the industry one of six new economic growth drivers, in guidelines for drafting China's development plan for the five years through 2030. Unitree founder Wang Xingxing sat in the front row during a seminal meeting between tech leaders such as Jack Ma and President Xi Jinping in February."
"The call for vigilance reflects Beijing's unease over excess investment rolling into a sector it bills as one of the biggest catalysts for the economy. That recalls past over-spending in sectors from bike-sharing to semiconductors, many of which ended in shakeups that eradicated smaller players. Shares in industry leader UBTech Robotics Corp., which could benefit from consolidation, gained more than 4% on Friday."
China's National Development and Reform Commission warned of a bubble risk in the humanoid robotics industry, noting more than 150 companies producing remarkably similar robots. The agency urged prevention of market flooding that could overwhelm demand and squeeze out genuine research and development. Beijing's concern stems from excess investment and past sectoral overspending that led to shakeouts eliminating smaller players. The ruling Communist Party designated humanoid robots as one of six new economic growth drivers in guidelines for drafting the development plan for the five years through 2030. Viral demos have fueled investor interest and potential consolidation.
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