Authorities in China plan to boost the research and development of humanoid robots, as well as brain-computer interfaces and artificial intelligence, to support elderly care across the country, reports the South China Morning Post, citing a directive issued by the State Council. This makes China among the first countries to formalise such a policy on the use of robotics.

A humanoid robot is a robot resembling the human body in shape. The design may be for functional purposes, such as interacting with human tools and environments or for other purposes.

China’s cabinet vowed to establish major national science and technology projects, emphasising the acceleration of technology and digitisation in the elderly care sector. The initiative is part of a comprehensive strategy to strengthen support for elderly citizens in China, one of the world’s fastest-ageing countries, alongside other measures such as encouraging foreign investment and training more professionals that the country faces an acute shortage of.

In an action plan for developing humanoid robots through 2027, Beijing’s Municipal Science and Technology Commission highlighted the need to deploy robots in caregiving scenarios, such as emotional companionship, health monitoring and intelligent household services, while exploring mechanisms for human-machine safety and trust.

Such technology is not new to China. In the 3rd century BCE, a Chinese engineer named Yan Shi created a life-size, human-like robot for the fifth king of the Chinese Zhou Dynasty, King Mu. The robot was primarily constructed of leather and wood. It was capable of walking, singing, and moving all parts of its body.