World Robot Conference opens in Beijing

The 2018 World Robot Conference (WRC) opened in Beijing on Aug. 15. At the conference, Beijing displayed a number of its achievements in the field of robotics.

Visitors watch robots dancing performance at World Robot Conference 2018 in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 15, 2018. Kicking off on Wednesday, the conference attracted more than 160 domestic and international corporations exhibiting their cutting-edge products in the robotics industry. [Photo/Xinhua]

Multiple types of robots for medical treatment were demonstrated on Wednesday. Remebot, a human-machine collaborative robot developed to conduct minimally invasive brain surgery, is among the first batch of state-approved neurosurgical robots in China. Another surgical robot, Phecda (Tianji), specializes in orthopedic surgery. Phecda has high accuracy in planting orthopedic fixations and helps to reduce patients' exposure to X-ray.

Robots such as the Aubo-i series that are used for industrial cooperation are also on display. With all the key components made domestically, the Aubo-i robots are the first of its kind in China, and are expected to help to upgrade traditional factories.

"Beijing is striving to become the bellwether of robotic innovation by putting its advantages in scientific research, ecology, and policy to good use," said Mao Dongjun, deputy director of the Beijing Municipal Commission of Economy and Information Technology.

He added that Beijing has made a two-stage plan aiming to become a leader in the robotic industry. By 2020, the city aims for its revenue from the robotic industry to reach 12 to 15 billion yuan (US$1.74 billion to US$2.17 billion), and plans to help establish 10 leading enterprises, build 10 research and development headquarters, and carry out 10 industrial robot projects. By 2025, the city plans for the revenue to reach 60 billion yuan, accompanied by world-leading standards of innovation platforms, artificial intelligence, operating software, and application bases.