China is exploring wide-ranging applications for embodied intelligence robotics, demonstrating how precise movements and child-like learning capabilities could transform industries.
Recently, Beijing issued the first catering business license to an embodied intelligence robot, meaning that an AI-empowered robot may soon be serving up food and stocking aisles in the Chinese capital.
According to its developer, the robot can complete the whole process of making several cuisines including French fries and onion rings. More impressive, it can learn to make new menu items autonomously, make judgments based on historical data and its environment, and adjust stocking and work arrangements based on weather, customer flow and other information.
In essence, the machine is set apart from previous generations of robots because it can act based on autonomous learning rather than prior programming.
At the National and Local Co-built Embodied Artificial Intelligence Robotics Innovation Center -- formerly Beijing Embodied Artificial Intelligence Robotics Innovation Center -- researchers have built robot training scenes. In one supermarket scenario, a robot is sorting goods under the guidance of their human supervisor via motion capture technology. The robot learns the logic of human actions, an essential part of its learning process.
"In the process, the system actually takes record of very dense and extensive information, including the strength, angle of the joints, the posture of the whole hand, the visual perception information, and the internal decision-making process. Today it is handling mangoes, tomorrow it might be oranges and the day after tomorrow apples. Further down the line it might be a workpiece on the factory assembly line or a household item. The robot will know how to operate them all. This is just like the learning process of a little child. We gave it some rewards or punishments for certain behavior and it will know how to deal with similar scenarios in the future," said Xiong Youjun, general manager of the innovation center.
In the future, the innovation center plans to build a million-level high-density, high-quality, and high-versatility data set to create the world's largest embodied intelligent robot data factory and open the data to the industry.
Learning-capable robots set to enter Chinese industries
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
