Japan firms work with China on humanoid robots

Japanese companies are teaming up with Chinese firms to expand the humanoid robot business. This comes amid rapid development of the technology in China.

Chipmaker Renesas Electronics opened a research and development base in Beijing in August. The Japanese firm aims to develop and test technology for controlling humanoid robots in collaboration with local firms.

Renesas Electronics Vice President Ivo Marocco said China was chosen because many of the companies now working at a fast pace in the field are there. He said the aim is to leverage this speed and position.

In March, Mitsubishi Electric invested in a startup that produces humanoid robots for manufacturing.

Its efforts draw on Mitsubishi's experience in developing industrial robots. The Japanese company says the robots will be able to move materials and check products for unmanned operations at factories in China.

Meanwhile, GMO Internet Group has partnered with a manufacturer to sell humanoid robots in Japan.

An enormous amount of data is needed to ensure smooth movements of humanoid robots. But such a process is said to take some time. The companies hope gathering data in the vast Chinese market will speed up development.