Articles tagged with "China-technology"
China unveils system for stable supersonic electromagnetic launches
In 2023, China achieved a breakthrough with its large-scale electromagnetic launcher, known as the "electromagnetic sledge," which became the first of its kind to surpass the sound barrier by accelerating one-ton test vehicles beyond Mach 1. Operating for over two years in Jinan, this system overcame a critical challenge faced by previous attempts worldwide: the destructive sonic boom generated at ground level, which traditionally damaged sensors essential for speed and position monitoring. The intense shock waves at supersonic speeds disrupted conventional sensor-based control systems, making reliable supersonic electromagnetic launches difficult. To address this, researchers led by Xu Fei from the Chinese Academy of Sciences developed a novel sensorless speed estimation method. Instead of relying on vulnerable external sensors, their approach extracts velocity data from subtle voltage fluctuations within the launcher’s segmented electromagnetic coils. By analyzing and filtering these electrical signals through an advanced algorithm, the system achieves real-time, highly accurate speed tracking with an error margin as low as 1.1% at
energyelectromagnetic-launchsupersonic-technologysensorless-speed-estimationlinear-induction-motorelectromagnetic-sledgeChina-technologyRising silver prices reshape solar cell manufacturing in China
The article discusses the significant impact of rising silver prices, which reached $75 per ounce in early 2026, on China’s solar cell manufacturing industry. Silver is a critical material used in the metallization process of photovoltaic (PV) cells, where ultra-fine conductive grid lines are formed on silicon wafers to collect and transport electricity efficiently. These grid lines must balance conductivity, adhesion, minimal electrical loss, and cost. Silver has traditionally met these requirements due to its excellent conductivity and stable contact with silicon, but it also represents 30-50% of the non-silicon costs in a solar cell. The surge in silver prices has intensified concerns about the sustainability of relying on this precious metal, especially for Chinese manufacturers who produce about 80% of the world’s solar modules and operate on thin margins. Currently, the dominant metallization technology uses silver paste, a mixture of silver powder, glass frit, and binders, applied via screen printing and fired at high temperatures to form ohmic
energysolar-energyphotovoltaic-cellssilver-pricessolar-manufacturingmaterials-scienceChina-technologyChina targets high-tech chip security with homegrown ion implanters
China has achieved a significant breakthrough in semiconductor manufacturing with the development of its first high-energy hydrogen ion implanter, the POWER-750H, announced by the China Institute of Atomic Energy. This advanced equipment, described as a “microscopic scalpel,” is critical for embedding precise ions into silicon wafers, a key process in chip fabrication. The POWER-750H reportedly matches leading international standards, marking a major step toward reducing China’s dependence on imported ion implantation technology, which has been restricted by foreign controls and market monopolies. The development leverages China’s expertise in nuclear physics and accelerator technology, enabling the country to independently design and produce tandem-type high-energy hydrogen ion implanters. Ion implantation is one of the “four core tools” in semiconductor manufacturing, essential for creating the internal structures of chips such as transistors and diodes. Achieving stable, high-energy ion beams that can operate reliably over long periods posed significant technical challenges, which China has now overcome. This advancement complements broader
semiconductorion-implantationchip-manufacturingmaterials-sciencehigh-energy-ion-implantersChina-technologysupply-chain-securityChina's humanoid robot firms make up half of exhibitors at CES 2026
At CES 2026 in Las Vegas, Chinese companies are set to dominate the humanoid robotics exhibition, comprising more than half of the 38 exhibitors in this category. Over a dozen Chinese firms, including prominent names like Unitree Robotics, AgiBot, Noetix Robotics, and the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Centre (X-Humanoid), will showcase advanced humanoid robots and related technologies. This strong presence reflects China’s rapid transition from research and development to commercialization, with humanoid robots increasingly appearing in everyday retail environments. Chinese manufacturers are leveraging their intellectual property and production capabilities, having filed 7,705 humanoid-related patents in the past five years, significantly outpacing the United States. Key participants such as Unitree Robotics plan to unveil next-generation humanoid robots, while AgiBot aims to present a comprehensive product lineup designed for diverse industrial and everyday applications, emphasizing embodied intelligence beyond single-task machines. The Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center will highlight autonomous coordination technologies for industrial tasks
roboticshumanoid-robotsChina-technologyCES-2026artificial-intelligencemanufacturingrobotics-innovationVideo: China’s humanoid robots steal the show at Chengdu concert
At a recent concert in Chengdu, Chinese American singer-songwriter Wang Leehom was joined on stage by six humanoid robots supplied by Hangzhou-based Unitree Robotics. Dressed in silver sequined outfits, the robots performed a highly synchronized dance routine during the song "Open Fire," featuring coordinated arm and leg movements, turns, jumps, and culminating in simultaneous Webster flips. The performance drew significant attention both in China and internationally, including praise from Elon Musk, who called it impressive and noted how robots in China are increasingly integrated into entertainment. The event sparked widespread discussion on Chinese social media, with many users admiring the robots' polished, human-like movements and viewing the show as evidence of rapid advancements in China's robotics industry. Observers highlighted the swift evolution of humanoid robot capabilities, contrasting this performance with earlier, simpler robot acts such as spinning handkerchiefs during the Spring Festival Gala. Wang Leehom himself acknowledged the unique collaboration between live music and robotic technology as a notable moment in his
robotshumanoid-robotsroboticslive-performanceUnitree-RoboticsChina-technologyentertainment-roboticsChina builds most advanced chipmaking machine, cracks EUV barrier
China has reportedly achieved a significant milestone in semiconductor manufacturing by developing its first domestic prototype of an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machine, a technology previously monopolized by Dutch company ASML. EUV lithography is a highly complex process essential for producing the world’s most advanced microchips, involving powerful lasers that generate ultraviolet light to etch circuits at an atomic scale. China’s breakthrough reportedly involved reverse-engineering older ASML parts and poaching talent, despite US efforts to block access to this technology. This advancement surpasses earlier expert predictions, including statements from ASML’s CEO who had anticipated China would need many more years to reach this level. While China has not yet begun mass production of EUV chips, the development of a working prototype marks a crucial step toward mainstreaming the technology by 2030. This progress comes amid a global race, particularly between the US and China, to enhance semiconductor manufacturing capabilities driven by the growing demand for AI and advanced electronics. In response, China’s
semiconductorchipmakingEUV-lithographymaterials-sciencemanufacturing-technologyChina-technologyadvanced-materialsL3 Autonomous Driving Bonanza in China - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights a recent surge in Level 3 (L3) autonomous driving developments in China. L3 autonomous driving, defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers as "conditional driving automation," allows vehicles to operate hands-off and eyes-off under specific conditions—such as on highways or in low-speed traffic jams—while still requiring the driver to be ready to take control if needed. This level represents a significant step beyond Level 2 driver-assist technologies but stops short of full autonomy (Level 4), offering drivers moments of relief during commutes without the full complexity and cost of fully autonomous systems. China has recently made notable progress in L3 autonomous driving, issuing permits for regular passenger vehicles to operate at this level for the first time. Several major companies are actively testing and developing L3 technology: BYD has completed extensive testing in Shenzhen with 150,000 kilometers logged; XPENG is conducting tests in Guangzhou and aims to reach Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD)
robotautonomous-vehiclesL3-autonomous-drivingChina-technologydriver-assist-systemsautomotive-innovationself-driving-carsChina's Gen Z inventor aims to build the 'Android' of humanoid robots
In April 2025, Beijing-based startup RoboParty, founded by Huang Yi—one of China’s youngest humanoid-robot entrepreneurs—officially launched with the goal of creating a fully open-source bipedal humanoid robot platform. Huang, born in 2004, initially gained attention for building “AlexBot,” a walking humanoid robot developed on a modest budget during his first year at Harbin Institute of Technology. After releasing an upgraded version, “AlexBotmini,” and graduating early, he shifted focus to RoboParty’s flagship project, the “ATOM” robot, which aims to be China’s first fully open-source humanoid robot platform. Huang advocates that an open-source approach accelerates ecosystem development by promoting shared standards, reducing collaboration barriers, and enhancing security and global competitiveness. RoboParty’s launch aligns with a broader national push by Chinese authorities to advance robotics, AI, and humanoid technologies as strategic priorities. Significant government-backed funding initiatives were announced in early 2025,
robothumanoid-robotopen-source-roboticsAIrobotics-fundingChina-technologyRoboPartyHow China built a humanoid robot for the price of an iPhone
Chinese startup Noetix Robotics has developed Bumi, a humanoid robot priced at approximately US$1,380—comparable to a high-end smartphone like the iPhone 17 Pro Max—marking a significant departure from the typically exorbitant costs of humanoid robots, which often exceed tens of thousands of dollars. Following a successful RMB 300 million (US$41 million) pre-B funding round, Noetix quickly sold over 100 units within the first hour and 500 within two days on JD.com, highlighting strong market demand. Bumi stands 94 centimeters tall and is designed primarily as a social companion and educational platform rather than for industrial or full household automation purposes. Noetix achieved this affordability through three key strategies: vertical integration by designing critical hardware components like control boards and motor drivers in-house to reduce costs and optimize performance; structural redesign using lightweight composite materials with minimal metal reinforcement to reduce weight to 12 kilograms, enabling smaller motors and batteries; and sourcing nearly all
roboticshumanoid-robotaffordable-roboticsChina-technologyin-house-hardware-designcomposite-materialssupply-chain-integrationChina mass producing quantum radars to track US stealth jets
China has begun mass production of a novel ultra-sensitive photon detector, described as the world’s first four-channel, ultra-low noise single-photon detector, developed by the Quantum Information Engineering Technology Research Center in Anhui province. This device can detect individual photons, a capability critical for advancing quantum radar technology. Quantum radars leverage the unique quantum properties of photons to detect stealth aircraft, such as the US F-22 and F-35 fighters, which evade traditional radar by absorbing or deflecting signals. By analyzing the quantum state changes of photons reflected from stealth jets, these radars can reveal their positions with greater accuracy, consume less power, and be deployed on various platforms while emitting less detectable energy. China’s new photon detector is significantly smaller—only one-ninth the size of existing single-channel detectors—and enhances the simultaneous detection and tracking of multiple light sources, improving imaging rates and detection range. Previously, China developed a quantum radar with a detection range of about 100 kilometers, and this advancement is
quantum-radarphoton-detectorstealth-technologyquantum-communicationenergy-detectiondefense-technologyChina-technologyChina to build robot 'boot camps' as gyms to power next-gen humanoids
China plans to establish a network of robot "boot camps"—large-scale training facilities acting as gyms or obstacle courses for humanoid robots—in major cities including Beijing and Shanghai. The largest facility, located in Beijing’s Shijingshan district, will span over 108,000 square feet and generate more than 6 million data points annually. These camps will simulate real-world environments such as factories, retail shops, elderly care centers, and smart homes, enabling robots to practice tasks and gather standardized, high-quality training data. This initiative aims to address the current bottleneck in China’s robotics industry caused by inconsistent and costly data collection methods, facilitating improved AI development and data sharing among robotics companies. This effort is part of China’s broader strategic push to lead in embodied intelligence—AI integrated into physical robots—and to compete with the United States, which currently deploys far fewer industrial robots annually (about one-tenth of China’s 300,000). The boot camps will form a national network linked across
roboticshumanoid-robotsAI-trainingrobotics-industryChina-technologyrobot-boot-campsembodied-intelligenceHow China turned submarine whisperer into deep gold-mining antenna
China has repurposed a massive submarine communication antenna system into the world’s most powerful electromagnetic exploration tool for deep mineral detection. Located in central China, this 500-kilowatt transmitter stretches over distances exceeding five times the length of New York City and broadcasts signals deep underground to locate critical resources like lithium, cobalt, rare earths, gold, and uranium. According to a recent China Geological Survey (CGS) study, China exclusively operates all ultra-high-power electromagnetic exploration systems above 100 kW, far surpassing the U.S. maximum of 30 kW. This technological edge enables China to explore the “second mineral space” — depths between 500 and 2,000 meters where traditional methods struggle due to weak ore signals and interference. China’s advanced electromagnetic methods include distributed sensor arrays and multidirectional field sources, allowing three-dimensional imaging of underground structures with greater accuracy than conventional two-dimensional models. A notable example is the Wireless Electromagnetic Method (WEM), which uses two perpendicular
energyelectromagnetic-explorationmineral-mininglithiumrare-earth-elementsChina-technologydeep-earth-imagingWhy China's robotic mowers could decide the LiDAR race
The article highlights how robotic lawn mowers are accelerating the development of LiDAR technology more rapidly and effectively than the automotive sector. Unlike the bulky and expensive LiDAR systems initially designed for luxury vehicles, robotic mowers demand smaller, cheaper, and more reliable sensors suitable for mass-market consumer products. This pressure has driven Chinese companies like Hesai and RoboSense to innovate, pushing LiDAR from mechanical and analog designs toward sleek, digital solid-state versions. The consumer robotics market, particularly robotic mowers, is thus emerging as the critical battleground for LiDAR democratization and technological breakthroughs. Robotic mowers represent a fast-growing global market, expanding from $1.5 billion in 2021 to an expected $4.04 billion by 2028. Early mower navigation relied on boundary-wire systems, which were cumbersome and prone to failure. More recent boundary-free approaches use technologies such as pure vision, ultra-wideband (UWB), and real-time kinematics (RTK), each with strengths and
roboticsLiDARrobotic-mowersChina-technologysensor-technologyconsumer-roboticsautonomous-devicesChina experiences physical AI surge - and how the U.S. should respond - The Robot Report
The article highlights China's rapid surge in physical AI and industrial automation, underscored by the latest data from the International Federation of Robotics showing that China received 54% of the roughly 520,000 industrial robots installed worldwide in 2024. This contrasts with declines in robot shipments in the European Union, Japan, and the U.S. China has overtaken the U.S. in robot density, a key automation metric, reflecting its decisive push toward smart, connected manufacturing aimed at technological leadership and potential reshoring benefits. Supported by state policies and a robust domestic industrial ecosystem, China’s share of the industrial robot market has grown significantly, with local suppliers dominating collaborative and mobile robots. The country leads in sectors like electric vehicles, batteries, photovoltaics, drones, and autonomous driving, and Chinese industrial robots are notably more affordable than European or Japanese alternatives. China’s strong emphasis on STEM education has cultivated a deep talent pool, graduating far more science majors than the EU or U.S., and Chinese-origin scholars
robotsindustrial-automationChina-technologyhumanoid-robotsAI-in-roboticsmanufacturing-automationrobotics-industryChina's data centers are pushing cooling to the limit
China’s rapid expansion in AI computing power has led to a significant increase in data center energy consumption and heat generation, pushing traditional air cooling methods to their limits. High-power AI chips, such as Huawei’s Ascend 910B and 910C, consume substantial energy, resulting in power densities per rack exceeding 15 kW and sometimes approaching 30 kW. This intense heat output has made air cooling inefficient due to increased noise, energy use, and maintenance challenges. Consequently, China is increasingly adopting liquid cooling technologies, especially cold plate liquid cooling, which offers efficient heat dissipation and easier retrofitting compared to immersion cooling. The liquid-cooled server market in China reached $2.37 billion in 2024, growing 67% year-over-year, with projections to hit $16.2 billion by 2029. This growth is driven by national strategies like “East Data West Computing” and policies promoting green data centers with power usage effectiveness (PUE) targets below 1
energydata-centerscooling-technologyliquid-coolingAI-computingpower-usage-effectivenessChina-technologyChina launches 'world's first' humanoid robot mall in Beijing
China has inaugurated what it calls the world’s first humanoid robot mall in Beijing’s high-tech E-Town district. Modeled after a car dealership’s 4S format—offering sales, service, spare parts, and customer feedback—the four-story mall exclusively sells robots to the public. It features over 100 robot types from around 200 brands, ranging from affordable consumer gadgets priced at about 2,000 yuan ($278) to advanced humanoid robots costing millions of yuan. The mall showcases diverse robots including life-size animatronic figures of historical and scientific icons like Albert Einstein, Qin Shi Huang, Isaac Newton, and Li Bai, alongside practical robots for cooking, medicine dispensing, sports, and entertainment. Visitors can interact with many robots and experience robot-served dining, emphasizing the integration of robots into everyday life. The launch serves both as a commercial venture and a strategic display of China’s ambitions in AI and robotics, aiming to normalize human-robot interaction and position the country as a
robothumanoid-robotsrobotics-retailChina-technologyrobot-mallservice-robotsconsumer-roboticsChina Announces New Micro-Drone
The article reports that China has unveiled a new micro-drone roughly the size of a mosquito, highlighting concerns about surveillance and privacy. While specific technical details such as flight range, sensory capabilities, and operational uses remain unclear or undisclosed, the drone's extremely small size suggests potential for covert monitoring. The announcement underscores China's advancing drone technology and raises questions about the implications for security and personal privacy. However, due to the limited information provided, the full extent of the drone's capabilities and intended applications is not yet known.
robotdronemicro-dronesurveillance-technologyroboticsunmanned-aerial-vehicleChina-technologyChina's autonomous trucks are powering the next generation of smart ports
China’s busiest ports have embraced fully autonomous logistics, replacing thousands of human drivers with driverless cargo vehicles (DCVs) and intelligent guided vehicles (IGVs). These autonomous trucks operate seamlessly alongside towering gantry cranes, transporting containers and bulk cargo efficiently without collisions, thanks to real-time route planning. Unlike the automated guided vehicles (AGVs) of the 1990s, which required expensive infrastructure upgrades, today’s DCVs and IGVs offer greater flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and easier integration, accelerating their adoption across China’s ports. Several factors drive this rapid transition: rising labor costs due to demographic shifts, increased cargo throughput from the Belt and Road Initiative, and China’s environmental commitments to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060. These forces push ports to modernize sustainably and efficiently. The market for driverless port vehicles in China is projected to grow explosively, with compound annual growth rates exceeding 130% from 2021 to 2025 and remaining
robotautonomous-vehiclessmart-portslogistics-automationdriverless-trucksChina-technologyport-automationIn a 1st, China pulls 99.9% ultra-pure rubidium from salt lake brine
Chinese scientists at the Qinghai Institute of Salt Lakes (ISL), part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, have developed a novel method to extract ultra-pure rubidium chloride (99.9% purity) from brine containing extremely low rubidium concentrations (0.001%). This breakthrough enables China to tap into its abundant but previously commercially unviable rubidium resources found primarily in salt lake brines of Qinghai province and Tibet. The new process involves a comprehensive approach including ore washing, leaching, enrichment, solvent extraction, and purification, and was successfully tested on potassium chloride from the Qarhan Salt Lake. This advancement significantly reduces China’s reliance on foreign rubidium imports, which currently stand at over 66%, mainly from Canada and Zimbabwe. Rubidium is a strategically important alkali metal used in atomic clocks, aerospace systems, perovskite solar cells, specialized glass, and medical imaging. China’s previous challenge was that over 97% of its rubidium reserves are locked in
materialsrubidium-extractioncritical-mineralsultra-pure-metalsChina-technologystrategic-metalsresource-security