The Hangzhou Asian Games, held in 2023, were much more than just a sporting event. This international competition was also an opportunity for China to show the world the country’s latest technological advances. Indeed, alongside athletes and volunteers, futuristic robots and amazing gadgets were used to serve, entertain and monitor visitors.
In the streets of Hangzhou, insect-killing robots have been deployed to eliminate pests. Thanks to their ability to mimic human body temperature and breathing, these robots lured insects before trapping them in an automated manner. An ingenious solution to preserve the comfort of athletes and spectators.
But the presence of robots was not limited to the fight against insects. Robot “dogs” wandered among the audience, capable of running and jumping, while miniature versions danced. A bright yellow android was also present, impressing visitors by playing the piano with surprising dexterity.
Even transportation was futuristic during these Asian Games. Driverless minibuses have been set up to transport visitors to the various competition sites. An innovative experience that provided an overview of technological advances in autonomous transportation.
In the huge press center, a robot receptionist greeted customers and even offered banking services. Robots were also present in the construction of the Games’ infrastructure, highlighting their usefulness in different areas.
Hangzhou, with its booming technology sector, has become a true hub of innovation in China. Local companies are working hard to compete with American and Japanese giants in the field of robotics. This is evidenced by the company DEEP Robotics, which tested its most advanced models before the Games and demonstrated their effectiveness in real situations.
However, despite impressive technological advances, some express fears about the impact on employment. Can machines make millions of jobs obsolete? Are robots a threat to humans? According to Qian Xiaoyu of DEEP Robotics, robots will not replace humans, but will help them in their tasks.
The Hangzhou Asian Games were therefore much more than just a sporting event. They were an opportunity for China to show the world its expertise in advanced technologies. These advances, whether insect-hunting robots, musical androids or autonomous minibuses, are only the beginning of an era dominated by artificial intelligence and robotics.