American robot creators aim to surpass China in the competition for advanced humanoid designs
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Robots, not tariffs, were the main attraction at this week's Robotics Summit. Thousands of tech enthusiasts rubbed elbows with humanoid and various robot kinds, discussing the future of autonomous machines - although Trump's tariffs hung like a dark cloud overhead.
Aaron Saunders, the CTO of Boston Dynamics and keynote speaker, joked, "Jump up to the microphones, but don't ask me about tariffs." The crowd erupted in laughter and obliged, but it was hard to ignore the looming shadow of President Trump's trade wars and China's retaliatory measures.
Event organizer Steve Crowe admitted, "Tariffs are the No. 1 topic that we’re discussing in the hallways and at the water cooler with people I’ve known for a long time." The uncertainty surrounding global trade disputes affects robotics profoundly, as components like sensors, semiconductors, batteries, and rare earth magnets are sensitive to these conflicts.
Elon Musk, Tesla CEO and Trump advisor, cautioned investors about China's restrictions on rare earth magnet shipments hindering Tesla's development of humanoid robots. Yet, some progressive-minded manufacturers saw a silver lining in the geopolitical shifts.
"It's added some inconveniences to our own supply chain. But it's also opened up opportunities," said Pras Velagapudi, CTO at Agility Robotics. With growing interest in domestic manufacturing and automation, the development of U.S.-based humanoid robots to automate factories and warehouses could become a reality.
Al Makke, a Schaeffler engineer, speculated that higher tariffs might push many companies to reshore manufacturing in the U.S., boosting the demand for automation and humanoids. Most industrial robots in the U.S. are currently imported, but the growing popularity of humanoids presents vast potential for manufacturing and even home use.
The summit showcased various humanoid robots, including Unitree's G1, priced at $16,000 and controlled remotely. Yet, Trump's current tariffs would raise the cost to $40,000 for American buyers, according to Unitree VP of business development Tony Yang. Despite the high costs, demand remains, with customers primarily academic researchers and social media influencers.
The sole humanoid at the conference was Unitree's G1, which shook hands, waved, and walked around the show floor. AI giant Boston Dynamics, owned by Hyundai, showcased a pack of its Spot robots instead of their humanoid Atlas due to development delays allegedly caused by tariffs.
In short, while tariffs pose challenges, they bring opportunities for U.S.-based robotics companies to innovate, localize production, and potentially meet growing demand in various sectors. The Robotics Summit showcased these opportunities while offering a glimpse into the future of humanoid robots.
Special thanks to AP video journalist Rodrique Ngowi, who contributed to this report.
- The national trade tariffs, instigated by President Trump, cast a dark shadow over the robotics industry, casting some uncertainty.
- Despite the looming tariffs, tech enthusiasts flocked to the Robotics Summit, eager to discuss the future of artificial-intelligence-driven technology.
- The CTO of Boston Dynamics, Aaron Saunders, humorously suggested avoiding questions about tariffs during his keynote speech.
- Event organizer Steve Crowe revealed that tariffs were the primary topic of conversation among attendees, even with old acquaintances.
- Elon Musk, a Trump advisor, warned investors about China's restrictions on rare earth magnet shipments affecting the development of humanoid robots.
- Pras Velagapudi, CTO at Agility Robotics, saw potential opportunities in tariffs for the development of U.S.-based humanoid robots for factory and warehouse automation.
- Al Makke, a Schaeffler engineer, speculated that higher tariffs might push companies to reshore manufacturing in the U.S., increasing demand for automation and humanoids.
- The Unitree G1, the only humanoid robot at the conference, was priced at $16,000 but would cost American buyers $40,000 due to Trump's tariffs, according to Unitree VP of business development Tony Yang.
- AI giant Boston Dynamics, owned by Hyundai, showcased Spot robots instead of their humanoid Atlas due to delays allegedly caused by tariffs.
- The Robotics Summit underscored the possibilities of innovation, localized production, and growing demand for humanoid robots, despite the challenges posed by tariffs.
