The Daily Planet #115: The China Shock, Part 16

The race to develop humanoid robots is unfolding along two very different paths in China and the United States, reflecting contrasting philosophies about how robots should learn and improve. China is taking a bold, fast-paced approach by deploying large numbers of robots directly into real-world environments like factories, streets, and homes. This “learn-on-the-job” strategy allows robots to gather vast amounts of real-world data, which is then used to continuously improve their artificial intelligence. Companies such as Unitree and Agibot are leading this effort, with Agibot even offering an open-source operating system called Lingqu OS to encourage collaboration and innovation across the industry. By flooding the market with task-specific robots, China creates a massive, living laboratory that accelerates progress through collective learning and rapid iteration.

In contrast, the United States is adopting a more cautious and controlled approach. Tech giants like Google and Meta focus on developing robot intelligence in simulated, controlled environments before deploying machines in the real world. This method prioritizes precision, safety, and reliability, aiming to perfect the robots’ cognitive abilities in the lab to avoid costly failures or public mistrust. Google maintains a closed, proprietary system to protect its innovations, while Meta uses platforms like Habitat to train robots in virtual settings. Although this approach ensures more refined and dependable robots, it limits exposure to the unpredictable challenges of real-world environments.

These two strategies highlight a fundamental philosophical divide: China embraces openness, scale, and real-world experimentation, while the U.S. values control, intellectual property, and careful development. The outcome of this competition will shape not only the pace of humanoid robot advancement but also how these machines learn to think and interact with society. Whether the open, fast-moving model or the cautious, precise approach will lead the future remains to be seen.

China’s Learn-On-The-Job Robots Outpace US’ Cautious Rollout

Which philosophy they will learn to think. Can a walled garden outlast an open field, or will openness inevitably prevail?