China has a plan: Technological innovation to secure its place on the geopolitical stage – EL PAÍS English

Report on Humanoid Robotics Development in China and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: The Emergence of Advanced Robotics

This report examines the development of humanoid robots by the Chinese start-up MagicLab Robotics Technology, contextualizing these advancements within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The analysis focuses on the Xiaomai series of androids, their technical specifications, intended applications, and the broader implications for industry, economy, and global partnerships.

SDG 9: Fostering Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

China’s strategic push into humanoid robotics represents a significant effort to advance SDG 9, which aims to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation. The government’s promotion of “new productive forces” and directives to develop technologies like humanoid robots and brain-computer interfaces are central to this agenda.

Case Study: MagicLab Robotics Technology

MagicLab, a start-up founded in 2024, exemplifies this national strategy. The company has developed several prototypes, including the Xiaomai series, with a focus on civil and industrial applications that support sustainable economic models.

• Prototype P7-2 Specifications:
  • Height: 1.74 meters
  • Weight: 67.5 kilograms
  • Lifting Capacity: 20 kilograms
  • Running Speed: 7.2 kilometers per hour
• Commercialization Strategy:
  1. Initial sales target of 500 units in the first year.
  2. Projected unit price of approximately $10,000 upon reaching an annual production of 10,000 units.

These developments are part of a larger ecosystem, with 56% of global humanoid production companies based in China. This industrial capacity is crucial for achieving the targets of SDG 9 by creating new technological infrastructure and manufacturing capabilities.

Applications Supporting Sustainable Infrastructure (SDG 11) and Clean Energy (SDG 7)

The integration of AI and robotics extends beyond humanoids to other sectors critical for sustainable development.

• Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11): The deployment of robotaxis and robobuses in at least 19 Chinese cities, alongside advancements in drone food delivery, contributes to creating more efficient, safe, and sustainable urban transport and logistics systems.
• Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7): China’s leadership in producing new energy vehicles, batteries, solar panels, and wind turbines is a core component of its technological strategy, directly supporting the global transition to clean energy.

Socio-Economic Impact and Alignment with SDG 8 and SDG 3

The proliferation of humanoid robots is poised to reconfigure labor markets and social services, directly impacting goals related to decent work, economic growth, and public health.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The introduction of robots into the workforce is intended to enhance productivity and drive economic growth. The vision presented by MagicLab’s president, Wu Changzheng, involves a new division of labor where robots handle repetitive tasks, allowing humans to focus on roles requiring creativity and critical thinking. This shift aligns with SDG 8’s objective of promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth and productive employment. However, it also necessitates careful management to ensure a just transition for the existing workforce.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

A key directive from China’s State Council is the use of AI and robotics to improve elderly care services. This application directly addresses SDG 3 by leveraging technology to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages, particularly for a growing elderly population. The development of robots for domestic assistance and healthcare support is a primary focus area.

Geopolitical Context: Challenges to SDG 16 and SDG 17

The rapid technological advancement in China is occurring within a complex geopolitical landscape, presenting challenges to global stability and cooperation.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

While developers emphasize “civil” applications, the military potential of humanoid robots is a significant concern. Official Chinese military publications have discussed how these technologies could transform future warfare, raising questions about their impact on global peace and security. Furthermore, the requirement for all AI in China to “defend fundamental socialist values” and the censorship of politically sensitive topics highlight challenges related to access to information and the nature of strong institutions as envisioned by SDG 16.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The intense technological rivalry between China and the United States undermines the spirit of global partnership central to SDG 17. The ongoing trade war, tariffs, and export controls on critical technologies like semiconductors create barriers to the collaborative innovation needed to address global challenges. China’s response, including developing indigenous technological solutions and leveraging its dominance in rare earth elements, further intensifies this competition rather than fostering cooperation.

Conclusion: A Dual Path of Progress and Peril

China’s investment in humanoid robotics and AI presents a powerful engine for achieving several Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in industry, innovation, health, and sustainable cities. The “new productive forces” strategy aims to transition the economy towards high-tech, sustainable growth. However, this progress is shadowed by significant challenges. The potential for military application and the escalating tech rivalry with the West pose risks to global peace and cooperation (SDG 16 and SDG 17). The successful integration of this technology will depend on navigating these geopolitical tensions while ensuring that its development remains aligned with the broader goals of inclusive and sustainable human development.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article connects to this goal by discussing the application of advanced technology in healthcare, specifically for the aging population.
2. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article highlights China’s leadership in technologies essential for the green transition, which is central to achieving clean energy goals.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • This goal is addressed through the article’s focus on technological innovation as a driver for economic growth and the discussion on how automation will reshape the labor market.
4. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • This is a primary theme of the article, which details China’s significant investments in research and development, its push for technological self-sufficiency, and the creation of an innovation ecosystem to lead in cutting-edge industries.
5. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article touches on this goal by mentioning the deployment of autonomous vehicles in urban settings, pointing towards the future of sustainable urban transport.
6. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • This goal is relevant due to the discussion of the military applications of humanoid robots, which has implications for global peace and security. It also relates to the theme of state control and censorship over technology and information.
7. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The article addresses this goal by highlighting the challenges and failures in global cooperation, detailing the technological and trade rivalry between China and the United States.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 3.4: Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases and promote mental health and well-being.
   • The article mentions that “the State Council of China… issued a directive to promote the development of humanoid robots, brain-computer interfaces, and various AI technologies to improve elderly care services,” which directly supports the well-being of an aging population.
2. Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • The article states that China “leads other key technologies for the green transition, such as battery production, solar panels, and wind turbines.” These technologies are fundamental to increasing the share of renewable energy.
3. Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation.
   • The article describes China’s economic strategy of turning to “technological breakthroughs as an alternative to the real estate sector” and developing “new productive forces.” The prediction that “robots will take on repetitive or monotonous tasks, while humans can focus on functions that require creativity” exemplifies the goal of achieving higher productivity through technological upgrading.
4. Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors… and substantially increase… public and private research and development spending.
   • This target is directly addressed when the article notes, “In 2023, China’s R&D spending growth reached 8.7%,” and that the country is boosting “local production of technological manufacturing” through plans like “Made in China 2025.”
5. Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all.
   • The article points to progress on this target by stating that “an army of robotaxis and robobuses operates in at least 19 Chinese cities,” indicating the development of new, potentially more sustainable, urban transport systems.
6. Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • The article discusses the potential negative impact on this target by highlighting the “military potential” of humanoid robots. It cites a Chinese military newspaper on how these robots could “continue transforming humanity’s perception of the future of warfare,” which relates directly to future conflict and violence.
7. Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development.
   • The article illustrates the challenges to this target by describing the “fierce competition between these two giants [China and the US],” which has led to an “ongoing trade war,” “tariffs,” and “technological restrictions,” undermining global cooperation.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. For Target 9.5 (Enhance scientific research):
   • R&D Spending: The article provides a direct indicator: “In 2023, China’s R&D spending growth reached 8.7%… Adjusted for purchasing power parity, China’s R&D expenditure in 2023 reached 96% of the U.S. level.”
   • Research Talent Pool: An indicator of research capacity is mentioned: “In 2022, China awarded more than 50,000 doctorates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, compared to nearly 30,000 in the U.S.”
2. For Target 8.2 (Technological upgrading):
   • Production and Export of High-Tech Goods: The article provides specific numbers: “The Asian giant today leads global production of new energy vehicles (in May alone, 1.3 million units were sold and 212,000 exported).”
   • Market Penetration of New Technologies: The article mentions that MagicLab “expect to sell 500 units [of humanoid robots] this year” and aims for annual production of “about 10,000 robots.”
3. For Target 11.2 (Sustainable transport systems):
   • Deployment of Autonomous Vehicles: A clear indicator is provided: “an army of robotaxis and robobuses operates in at least 19 Chinese cities.”
4. For Target 3.4 (Well-being):
   • Policy Implementation: The indicator is the government’s action: “the State Council of China… issued a directive to promote the development of… AI technologies to improve elderly care services.”
5. For Target 17.16 (Partnerships):
   • Trade Barriers: The article implies negative indicators for global partnership, such as the “ongoing trade war,” the “EU’s tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles,” and U.S. “controls on the export of semiconductors to China.”

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: english.elpais.com