Collaborative robots empowered by the development of science and technology have become helpers in people's life as well as their work and production.
Nowadays, robots that make latte art can be seen in many places, such as business districts and libraries. It only cost customers 20 yuan (about 2.73 U.S. dollars) to purchase a cup of latte with customized microfoam pattern on it.
The company that produces such robots is a private firm based in Zibo City, east China's Shandong Province. In 2024, it received many orders from overseas.
"The machine uses one system to control two robotic arms, each with six joints. It means that the system is controlling 12 joints to do different actions, which is quite difficult. It only takes 75 seconds for the machine to make a cup of latte with microfoam pattern on it," said Han Yongguang, CEO of AUBO Robotics.
He noted that the application scenarios for these collaborative robots have been expanding.
"The robotic arm is not a final product. For example, if you put it on a new energy vehicle production line, it can serve as a robot capable of making vehicles. To make robotic arms fully match the application scenarios, it requires us to roll out possible plans with the application side," Han said.
For now, the company has grown into a leading company in collaborative robot industry.
However, it was in financial trouble five years ago. At that time, Zibo City authorities were optimistic about the future of the collaborative robot sector. The local government helped the firm finance 300 million yuan and invited it to settle in.
"For several years, we've been striving for industrial transformation and upgrading. In 2020, we invited AUBO Robotics to Linzi District. For that, we formed a specific working group. Apart from providing support elements, we also arranged workshop for it. Meanwhile, we used the company to attract more upstream supporting enterprises, so that it can develop smoothly," said Cui Xiaolei, director of Zibo City's Linzi District investment promotion center.
Under the support from the local government, the company started operation only five months later. From then on, the output of collaborative robots has been increasing rapidly with larger market share.
Its sales revenue grew from less than 50 million yuan in 2020 to 520 million yuan in 2023, with the domestic market share taking more than 40 percent.
"When I invested in the company back in 2020, I thought that it would already be a miracle if the output could reach 10,000 per year within five years. But now, the annual production capacity is 20,000," Han said.
Collaborative robots become helpers in people's life, production
As the Qingming Festival approaches this Friday, various traditional folk activities have been held across China, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the occasion.
With a 2,500-year history, Qingming Festival, or the Festival of Pure Brightness, observed in early April, uniquely combines ancestral worship with the celebration of spring. Falling on the 15th day after the spring equinox, this ritual-rich observance reflects China's enduring values of ancestral veneration and inspires deep introspection about what gives life meaning.
In Sijia Village, Huayin City, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, a unique swing festival is held to mark the occasion. Eighteen different types of traditional swings, such as the spinning wheel swing, the Bagua swing reminiscent of a rotating carousel, and the balance swing designed for two people, have attracted many visitors.
Historically, Sijia Village served as a military post guarding the strategic Tongguan pass, a former mountain pass and fortress located south of the confluence of the Wei and Yellow Rivers. The swing tradition in the village has its origins in military training exercises like climbing and river crossing. The local swing culture further developed as regional trade flourished, eventually evolving into the "swing festival" that continues today.
"It's very exciting and tests your skill, endurance, and most importantly, your arm strength. You need to maintain balance," said Qu Xiangyang, a visitor.
In Rudong County, Nantong City, east China's Jiangsu Province, another traditional Qingming activity takes place - kite flying.
Flying kites as a way of making wishes is an age-old Qingming custom in this region. As a result, the Qingming Festival in Nantong is also known as the "Kite Festival."
The local Banyao whistling kite making skills is listed as one of the first national intangible cultural heritage items.
According to a folk culture expert, people traditionally write the names of diseases or misfortunes on paper, attach it to a kite, and release it into the sky. This practice is believed to drive away illness and disaster, while also serving as a way to make wishes.
In south China's Guangdong Province, a large tug-of-war competition is underway in Maoming City. Teams from different towns and streets are competing, attracting many locals to cheer on their teams.
Tug-of-war, which originated during the late Spring and Autumn period (770 BC - 476 BC), became part of Qingming customs during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty once organized large-scale tug-of-war competitions for the festival.
"Tug-of-war became very popular in the Tang Dynasty, even emerging as the national sport. It originated in the Jingchu region and later spread across the country. In ancient Lingnan (Southern China), tug-of-war games were a common tradition. Through these events, people seek to pray for peace, prosperity, and abundant harvests," said Yao Guojun, vice dean of the College of Arts and Law, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology.
Traditional folk activities held for Qingming Festival
