Entrance for the 2024 World Robot Conference, Aug. 23, 2024. [Photo by Yang Chuanli/China.org.cn]

The 2024 World Robot Conference, under the theme of "co-fostering new quality productive forces for a shared intelligent future," showcased the innovative advancements of intelligent robots across various industries. Notably, an exhibition of special robots highlighted the growing role of robotics in safety, emergency responses and in extreme environments.

Wang Shanhe, a representative from Shandong Guoxing Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. (hereafter Guoxing), emphasized the significance of these robots.

"We find it meaningful to be in this industry, as human life is paramount," Wang said. Guoxing is recognized as a "little giant" firm for its role within the industry. Among the robots the company produces, its firefighting robots are designed to replace firefighters in hazardous areas, such as in areas that are prone to explosions or have a concentration of toxic gas. These robots can be independently operated by firefighters via a remote control. The range of operation is approximately 1,000 meters. In response to mountainous terrain, the company has also developed diesel-powered robots with enhanced climbing capabilities.

Guoxing's explosion-proof firefighting robot at the 2024 World Robot Conference in Beijing, Aug. 23, 2024. [Photo by Yang Chuanli/China.org.cn]

Wang revealed that the government is actively promoting the use of firefighting robots, with regulations mandating their deployment in fire stations that are grade II and above. National inspections are scheduled to begin next year.

Adjacent to Guoxing's booth, CITIC HIC Kaicheng Intelligence Equipment Co. (hereafter CITIC), Ltd., showcased their special robots designed for use in the coal mining, petrochemical and emergency rescue sectors. With coal mining, these robots assist in underground inspection and have evolved to perform various tasks, aiming to free workers' hands. With petrochemical production, a trio of wheeled, rail-guided and fixed-post robots can offer comprehensive solutions, all of which are extensively used by major domestic oil companies. With emergency rescue, treaded robots are predominantly used, aimed to replace firefighters in hazardous circumstances. These firefighting robots are also capable of addressing varying flow rates, medium types and shooting distances for firefighting needs.

CITIC's mine-tracking inspection robot at the 2024 World Robot Conference in Beijing, Aug. 23, 2024. [Photo by Yang Chuanli/China.org.cn]

The Resolution of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on Further Deepening Reform Comprehensively to Advance Chinese Modernization adopted at the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China called for "Improving the institutions and mechanisms for fostering new quality productive forces in line with local conditions." Special robots are designed with classifications that adapt to different safety and emergency situations and extreme environments, which is in line with this proposal.

President of the Chinese Institute of Electronics Xu Xiaolan emphasized the growing synergy between artificial intelligence and robotics, which has stimulated new consumption, industries and employment, thereby forming new quality productive forces.

International experts are also taking notice of China's robotic advancements. "I've been here before, in 2019, and even back then the exhibition was very impressive — the sheer number of robots and how rapidly technology develops and evolves," remarked Associate Professor Jens Kober from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. He highlighted the affordability and quality of Chinese robots, making them competitive in the global market.