
In a remarkable demonstration of robotics, Shenzhen-based Dobot recently showcased its humanoid (人形机器人) robot preparing a steak dinner — seasoning it with precise finger movements — while controlled by an engineer 1,800km away. A video released on the company’s WeChat account Friday revealed the Dobot Atom model replicating human actions through a virtual reality (VR) system.
During the test, an operator in Guangdong province wore VR gear to direct the robot stationed in Shandong. The four-minute clip captured the robot performing delicate kitchen tasks: patting the steak dry, pouring oil, flipping it, and even adding salt with 0.05-millimeter precision. Though currently limited to upper-body control, this technology could transform fields like surgery, nuclear inspections, and space exploration.
The successful demonstration had an immediate impact on Dobot’s market performance, with its Hong Kong-listed shares closing nearly 3 percent higher on the day of the video release. Founded in 2015, Dobot has evolved from specializing in robotic arms to becoming a key player in the humanoid robot market. The Dobot Atom, priced at 199,000 yuan (US$27,500), comes with highly dexterous five-finger hands — a technical breakthrough that allows for human-like manipulation (操作) of objects, addressing limitations that previous generations of robots faced when attempting to work in environments designed for humans. Last week, the company began global deliveries, with Japan receiving the first batch, marking a significant milestone in its journey towards mass production.
This development aligns with (一致) the growing momentum in China’s robotics industry. According to an April report by market research firm TrendForce, 11 Chinese robotics companies entered mass production in 2024, and six plan to manufacture over 1,000 units this year. Dobot’s VR-controlled cooking feat not only showcases its technical innovation but also positions the company at the forefront of the global race to commercialize humanoid robots, potentially reshaping how tasks are performed across diverse fields.
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