China’s local governments are funding over 40 training centers to address a robotic data shortage, training humanoid robots through repetitive human actions like folding clothes. This initiative supports China’s push for advanced robotics, framed as essential for productivity and technological supremacy. The government emphasizes embodied intelligence, leading to a race among firms to develop humanoid robots. Challenges include costly data collection methods and concerns over potential industry overcapacity. Despite skepticism about training efficiency, the facilities aim to provide standardized data, aiding smaller firms and bolstering China’s competitive edge in robotics.
https://restofworld.org/2026/china-robots-training-centers-workers/