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Humanoid robots embodiment of China's AI ambitions

Humanoid robots embodiment of China's AI ambitions

eNCA10 hours ago
Serving craft beer, playing mahjong, stacking shelves and boxing, the dozens of humanoid robots at Shanghai's World AI Conference (WAIC) this weekend were embodiments of China's growing AI prowess and ambition.
The annual event is primed at showcasing China's progress in the ever-evolving field of artificial intelligence, with the government aiming to position the country as a world leader on both technology and regulation as it snaps at the United States' heels.
Opening the event on Saturday, Premier Li Qiang announced China would set up a new organisation for cooperation on AI governance, warning the benefits of development must be balanced with the risks.
But in the cavernous expo next door, the mood was more giddy than concerned.
"Demand is currently very strong, whether in terms of data, scenarios, model training, or artificial construction. The overall atmosphere in all these areas is very lively," said Yang Yifan, R&D director at Transwarp, a Shanghai-based AI platform provider.
This year's WAIC is the first since a breakthrough moment for Chinese AI this January when startup DeepSeek unveiled an AI model that performed as well as top US systems for an apparent fraction of the cost.
Organisers said the forum involved more than 800 companies, showcasing over 3,000 products -- the undeniable crowd pleasers being the humanoid robots and their raft of slightly surreal party tricks.
At one booth, a robot played drums, half a beat out of time, to Queen's "We Will Rock You" while a man in safety goggles and a security vest hyped up a giggling crowd.
AFP | -
Other droids, some dressed in working overalls or baseball caps, manned assembly lines, played curling with human opponents or sloppily served soft drinks from a dispenser.
While most of the machines on display were still a little jerky, the increasing sophistication year-on-year was clear to see.
The Chinese government has poured support into robotics, an area in which some experts think China might already have the upper hand over the United States.
At Hangzhou-based Unitree's stall, its G1 android -- around 130 centimetres tall, with a two-hour battery life -- kicked, pivoted and punched, keeping its balance with relative fluidity as it shadowboxed around a ring.
Ahead of the conference's opening, Unitree announced it would launch a full-size humanoid, the R1, for under $6,000.
- 'Digital humans' -
Most high-tech helpers don't need hardware though.
At the expo, AI companions -- in the form of middle-aged businessmen, scantily clad women and ancient warriors -- waved at people from screens, asking how their day was, while other stalls ran demos allowing visitors to create their own digital avatars.
Tech giant Baidu on Saturday announced a new generation of technology for its "digital humans" -- AI agents modelled on real people, which it says are "capable of thinking, making decisions, and collaborating".
The company recently ran a six-hour e-commerce broadcast hosted by the "digital human" of a well-known streamer and another avatar.
The two agents beat the human streamer's debut sales in some categories, Baidu said.
Over ten thousand businesses are using the technology already, the department's head Wu Chenxia told AFP.
Asked about the impact on jobs -- one of the major concerns raised around widespread AI adoption -- Wu insisted that AI was a tool that should be used to improve quality and save time and effort, which still required human input.
For now, few visitors to the WAIC expo seemed worried about the potential ramifications of the back-flipping dog robots they were excitedly watching.
"When it comes to China's AI development, we have a comparatively good foundation of data and also a wealth of application scenarios," said Transwarp's Yang.
"There are many more opportunities for experimentation."
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Humanoid robots embodiment of China's AI ambitions
Humanoid robots embodiment of China's AI ambitions

eNCA

time10 hours ago

  • eNCA

Humanoid robots embodiment of China's AI ambitions

Serving craft beer, playing mahjong, stacking shelves and boxing, the dozens of humanoid robots at Shanghai's World AI Conference (WAIC) this weekend were embodiments of China's growing AI prowess and ambition. The annual event is primed at showcasing China's progress in the ever-evolving field of artificial intelligence, with the government aiming to position the country as a world leader on both technology and regulation as it snaps at the United States' heels. Opening the event on Saturday, Premier Li Qiang announced China would set up a new organisation for cooperation on AI governance, warning the benefits of development must be balanced with the risks. But in the cavernous expo next door, the mood was more giddy than concerned. "Demand is currently very strong, whether in terms of data, scenarios, model training, or artificial construction. The overall atmosphere in all these areas is very lively," said Yang Yifan, R&D director at Transwarp, a Shanghai-based AI platform provider. This year's WAIC is the first since a breakthrough moment for Chinese AI this January when startup DeepSeek unveiled an AI model that performed as well as top US systems for an apparent fraction of the cost. Organisers said the forum involved more than 800 companies, showcasing over 3,000 products -- the undeniable crowd pleasers being the humanoid robots and their raft of slightly surreal party tricks. At one booth, a robot played drums, half a beat out of time, to Queen's "We Will Rock You" while a man in safety goggles and a security vest hyped up a giggling crowd. AFP | - Other droids, some dressed in working overalls or baseball caps, manned assembly lines, played curling with human opponents or sloppily served soft drinks from a dispenser. While most of the machines on display were still a little jerky, the increasing sophistication year-on-year was clear to see. The Chinese government has poured support into robotics, an area in which some experts think China might already have the upper hand over the United States. At Hangzhou-based Unitree's stall, its G1 android -- around 130 centimetres tall, with a two-hour battery life -- kicked, pivoted and punched, keeping its balance with relative fluidity as it shadowboxed around a ring. Ahead of the conference's opening, Unitree announced it would launch a full-size humanoid, the R1, for under $6,000. - 'Digital humans' - Most high-tech helpers don't need hardware though. At the expo, AI companions -- in the form of middle-aged businessmen, scantily clad women and ancient warriors -- waved at people from screens, asking how their day was, while other stalls ran demos allowing visitors to create their own digital avatars. Tech giant Baidu on Saturday announced a new generation of technology for its "digital humans" -- AI agents modelled on real people, which it says are "capable of thinking, making decisions, and collaborating". The company recently ran a six-hour e-commerce broadcast hosted by the "digital human" of a well-known streamer and another avatar. The two agents beat the human streamer's debut sales in some categories, Baidu said. Over ten thousand businesses are using the technology already, the department's head Wu Chenxia told AFP. Asked about the impact on jobs -- one of the major concerns raised around widespread AI adoption -- Wu insisted that AI was a tool that should be used to improve quality and save time and effort, which still required human input. For now, few visitors to the WAIC expo seemed worried about the potential ramifications of the back-flipping dog robots they were excitedly watching. "When it comes to China's AI development, we have a comparatively good foundation of data and also a wealth of application scenarios," said Transwarp's Yang. "There are many more opportunities for experimentation."

Fujifilm's GFX Challenge open to South African creators
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Fujifilm's GFX Challenge open to South African creators

The program is a global initiative designed to support and nurture aspiring creatives in bringing their imaging projects to life. Fujifilm has announced the launch of the GFX Challenge Grant Program 2025, with applications now open to creatives worldwide, including South Africa. The program is a global initiative designed to support and nurture aspiring creatives in bringing their imaging projects to life. South Africans have been encouraged to apply, following the success of Cape Town-based Jodi Windvogel, a Global Grant recipient of the challenge in 2023. Prize Creatives have the chance to receive a US$10 000 Global Grant Award or a US$5 000 Regional Grant Award, helping to transform their creative ideas into reality. Winners also receive access to a Fujifilm GFX System camera body and two GF lenses for the duration of their project, as well as mentoring and technical assistance from Fujifilm technicians and product experts. In total, there are five Global Grant Awards available, with 10 Regional Grant Awards in place. ALSO READ: Fujifilm launches X Half camera to make photography fun again Amateur and professional The GFX Challenge Grant Program 2025 is open to amateur and professional photographers and videographers who are residents of South Africa, with the submission period closing on 31 August 2025. The award recipients will be announced in January 2026, with the final projects to be exhibited in various countries as well as on the website. What to shoot? Windvogel was announced as a Global Grant recipient for her project 'The Body at Risk'. The project was a harrowing look at the landscapes in South Africa where incidents of gender-based violence took place. 'Start with a strong concept that is close to your heart – one that is well-researched, timely and meaningful. Ask yourself: why this story, why now and why you? Let your proposal reflect your commitment and the urgency of the narrative,' Windvogel said. 'The panel is not just looking for beautiful images; they're looking for work that moves, educates and sparks dialogue. Be honest, passionate and prepared to immerse yourself in the process.' Photographers and videographers looking to enter the GFX Challenge Grant Program 2025 are able to do so until 31 August 2025. NOW READ: Huawei unveils Pura 80 series smartphones with innovative camera system [VIDEO]

Maca Scents: How a husband-and-wife duo is redefining affordable luxury in fragrance
Maca Scents: How a husband-and-wife duo is redefining affordable luxury in fragrance

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time15 hours ago

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Maca Scents: How a husband-and-wife duo is redefining affordable luxury in fragrance

Pretoria-based Maca Scents was founded by Siya and Trycia Simelane. Image: Supplied. What started as a side hustle and a love for smelling good has blossomed into a thriving fragrance brand gaining traction both locally and beyond. Pretoria-based Maca Scents, founded by Siya and Trycia Simelane, is quietly but confidently disrupting South Africa's perfume industry, offering high-quality, affordable fragrances with a personal touch. At its core, Maca Scents is rooted in an inspiring entrepreneurial journey, a clear sense of purpose, and a deep understanding of what customers really want from their scent experience: authenticity, inclusivity, and lasting power. From distributor to brand builder Before launching his own brand, Siya Simelane spent years distributing perfumes for other companies. But a persistent thought lingered, why build someone else's legacy when you can build your own? 'As a distributor, it always felt like I was helping grow someone else's brand,' Siya said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'I always intended on eventually making the shift and building my own. Every time I bounced ideas off my wife, then my girlfriend, she would always say, 'Just do it!' Eventually, I did,' he told Business Report. The pandemic might have been a time of global uncertainty, but for Siya, it offered clarity. With business slowing down, he returned to the drawing board and began mapping out his dream, what would eventually become Maca Scents, officially launched in 2020. A brand for everyone who wants to smell their best Guided by the philosophy that 'everyone deserves to smell their best,' Maca Scents is reshaping the local fragrance market by blending premium perfume oil concentrations with minimalist packaging, all at accessible price points. 'We do our best to maximise the quality of perfume we produce,' Siya said. 'But we keep the packaging classy and no-frills. While navigating an industry defined by exclusivity and luxury pricing, we've found that simplicity is not only sustainable but also speaks to our audience,' he added. Inclusivity is another cornerstone of the Maca Scents brand. Siya's inspiration to cater for people with sensitive sinuses and skin came from his own family. 'My mom struggled with sinus issues, and my wife had both sinus and skin sensitivity. It opened my eyes to how many people are excluded from the fragrance experience.' What sets Maca Scents apart Siya and Trycia Simelane, is quietly but confidently disrupting South Africa's perfume industry, offering high-quality, affordable fragrances with a personal touch. Image: Supplied. Unlike many international and local brands that flood South Africa's shelves with Eau de Toilette (EDT) formulas, Maca Scents prioritises Eau de Parfum (EDP) and Extrait de Parfum, more concentrated and longer-lasting perfume types. 'In 2024, we launched our Intense range, Extrait de Parfum, which has double the oil concentrate of an average EDP. Customers are often surprised by how much longer our scents last compared to their usual buys,' Siya said. To further support the evolving needs of their market, the brand also introduced refillable perfume atomisers, compact, travel-friendly, and reusable options that encourage sustainability while letting customers sample different fragrances. Their home fragrance range and upcoming car diffusers are a natural extension of the brand. 'We recently launched wedding fragrance packages at the Bridal Expo and received incredible feedback. Our goal is to offer a complete, sensory experience,' he said. Building customer loyalty one scent at a time While Maca Scents operates primarily online via the brand maintains strong personal connections with its customers—thanks to on-the-ground activations, markets, and expos in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, North West and KwaZulu-Natal. 'Our customers range from those who love the finer things in life to someone who just wants to smell good while doing a grocery run. We want to be their one-stop shop. Many people don't know the difference between EDT, EDP, and Parfum. We make it a point to explain that, without gatekeeping,' Siya added. Entrepreneurship, family, and the road ahead With over four years under their belt, Siya and Trycia run Maca Scents as a tight-knit, family-driven business. Siya holds a BCom qualification and has a background in sales across industries like lighting, publishing, and electrical supplies. Trycia, a Social Sciences graduate, is an integral part of the operation, managing logistics, testing new scents, and being, as Siya puts it, 'my sounding board, guinea pig and most useful support structure.' Looking to the future, Siya envisions a self-sustaining fragrance house with a respected place in South Africa's beauty industry. 'I see Maca Scents becoming a household name. Once it's strong enough to stand on its own, I'd love to explore new ventures,' he said. Siya and Trycia Simelane, is quietly but confidently disrupting South Africa's perfume industry, offering high-quality, affordable fragrances with a personal touch. Image: Supplied. For now, the duo continues to focus on expanding their reach, exploring retail partnerships, and beefing up their digital marketing efforts, including plans to bring on a dedicated team for social media growth. A legacy of accessibility and quality Maca Scents isn't just about smelling good, it's about making quality accessible and building a brand that reflects both ambition and heart. With its unique blend of affordability, education, and high-performance fragrances, Maca Scents is proving that the scent of success doesn't have to come with a luxury price tag. BUSINESS REPORT

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