China sees rise in ‘robot trainers’ performing household tasks for AI

In China, a new profession known as ‘robot trainers’ is emerging to assist in the development of artificial intelligence for domestic and commercial use. These workers perform repetitive household tasks—such as washing dishes, folding laundry, and cleaning surfaces—while wearing motion-tracking equipment. Their movements are recorded by sensors and cameras to create datasets that teach robots how to recognize objects and navigate various environments like homes, factories, and shops.

Monthly earnings for these trainers typically range from 4,000 to 6,000 yuan, approximately 600 to 900 USD. Some workers operate on a daily wage basis, earning around 18 USD per day shift, with higher rates for night shifts. The roles are increasingly advertised on Chinese social media and employment platforms, attracting unemployed individuals, students, and those seeking flexible work.

The work is physically and mentally demanding. Some workers report repeating the same motions up to 200 times a day to meet productivity quotas, which can range from 160 to over 260 movement samples per day. While the job provides income for those displaced from other industries or seeking supplemental earnings, some workers have noted that the pay does not always compensate for the physical strain involved.