South Korea and China boost humanoid robot production with major investments

South Korea's government unveiled a plan to spend roughly R14 trillion on expanding AI chip fabrication and developing humanoid robots, aiming to position the country as a leading supplier of core AI technologies. President Lee Jae‑myung emphasized securing semiconductors, physical AI and AI data centres as key to the nation's future.

Chinese robotics company UBTECH introduced its U1 series of full‑size humanoid robots, featuring biomimetic skin, a dual‑pivot cervical spine and an emotion‑aware language model. The robots, priced between $17,000 and $145,000, have attracted over 10,000 orders, with initial deliveries expected in mid‑September. Both initiatives illustrate a growing focus on advanced robotics and AI across Asia.