On a rainy afternoon in Shenzhen, technology meets daily life as Meituan's drone delivery system hums into action. Teenage girls enjoy karaoke while drones deliver meals like char siu pork and bubble tea, reflecting China's innovative efforts in robotics and AI. Amidst trade wars and economic shifts, Beijing is prioritizing advancements in technology, viewing AI as crucial for military strength and workforce issues, with aspirations to surpass the US in key industries. The convenience of drone deliveries signifies a future where human interaction in service sectors might diminish.
The drones are a small part of the broader robotics and artificial intelligence industry that China is intent on expanding on this year.
Beijing is doubling down on the industries where it sees the potential and the need to develop ahead of the US.
Meituan aims to beat human delivery times by about 10%, although perhaps because of its journey whizzing through the clouds in a thin polystyrene box, the food, char siu pork and a waffle, is slightly cold.
China's leaders see artificial intelligence as being the key to upgrading its military strength, solving the problems created by a shrinking workforce, and a source of national pride.
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