Do robots need to look like humans? - Asia Specific podcast, BBC World Service

Humanoid robots are suddenly everywhere - dancing, boxing, running marathons and even attempting surgery. China leads the charge, manufacturing the vast majority of the world's humanoid robots.

But beyond the viral videos, are these machines actually useful?

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Why has China emerged as the global leader in robot manufacturing? How is AI transforming what robots can do? And can countries like the US, Japan, and Germany keep pace?

In this episode, host Mariko Oi speaks to BBC’s Beijing correspondent Stephen McDonell and BBC’s cyber correspondent Joe Tidy about whether humanoid robots are finally becoming practical.

From robot butlers and factory workers to surgeons and carers, we explore how close we really are to living alongside humanoid robots and whether today's machines are groundbreaking technology or simply impressive demonstrations.

00:00 Introduction
01:20 How widely are robots used in everyday life in China?
02:02 Robots serving customers in Chinese restaurants
03:18 How close are we to having truly useful domestic robots?
04:57 Do humanoid robots need to look like humans?
08:35 How are autonomous robots trained?
10:57 China becomes a leader in the humanoid robot industry
12:35 Where does the US stand in the humanoid robot race?
14:20 Are other countries far behind?
15:35 When will humanoid robots become truly useful in our daily lives?

This episode was recorded on 20 July 2026.

Watch more episodes of Asia Specific here 👉🏽 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLz_B0PFGIn4c3njIxB0KHuO8SS2mBMtUc
Find out more about AI-trained domestic robots here 👉🏽 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOsm1qoEr7M

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