At China Unicom's product launch event for 'ZhiJiaTongTong', the company announced a joint venture with Huawei to introduce the domestically produced and self-developed household robot. This robot, 'ZhiJiaTongTong', boasts an array of functionalities designed to serve as the 'smart brain' of the modern family.

'ZhiJiaTongTong' supports ten major functions, including video calls, a family digital archive, a home media library, a home monitoring station, a home game console, a family health doctor, a family fitness coach, a family library, a home classroom, and a home office. These features are intended to cater to the diverse needs of modern households.

China Unicom's commitment to embodied intelligence extends beyond mere experimentation. Through its subsidiary, Unicom Digital Technology, the company has launched the Yanfei chip module with 8T computing power, a 5G+AI module, and an all-in-one machine, all of which enhance device intelligence based on the Gewu OS platform. Additionally, the company is exploring the integration of body, olfactory, and tactile sensor technologies to further advance the sensory capabilities of household robots.

In recent years, the humanoid robot industry has witnessed a surge in activity, with startups proliferating and major companies actively entering the market. Household robots, in particular, have garnered significant attention.

Among the startups, Weave Robotics from California and domestic manufacturer Ulikech have prioritized the launch of robot products tailored for household customers. Weave Robotics' Isaac, for instance, can pick up fallen toys, change pet food bowls, and serve wine, while Ulikech's Wanda 2.0, with its eight degrees of freedom bionic arms, can handle complex tasks such as washing, folding clothes, and even making hamburgers.

In the realm of cross-border moves by home appliance companies, Haier and Midea stand out as typical representatives. Haier Smart Home was an early adopter of humanoid robots, having released its Service Robot Strategy 1.0 in 2018 and collaborating with SoftBank Robotics to introduce 'Pepper' to the Chinese market. Subsequently, it partnered with Ubtech Robotics and Starbot Era to deepen its research and development in this field. Furthermore, Haier acquired the leading domestic robot manufacturer Sinstar in February 2023 to accelerate its layout in embodied intelligence.

Midea, with its strong business scale and technological prowess in humanoid robots, officially entered the market in 2024 and established a Humanoid Innovation Center. Led by Xi Wei, the center is focusing on robotizing home appliances and applying robot and AI technologies to products such as air conditioners, floor washers, and ovens. Midea aims to realize the industrialization of humanoid robots within 3-5 years.

Despite the enthusiasm of enterprises for household robots, the adoption rate in the personal and household sector remains relatively low. This is due to the high demands on the generalization ability of humanoid robots, as well as their high manufacturing and selling prices, which make them inaccessible to ordinary consumers. However, industry insiders believe that household robots will find adoption in some home scenarios within the next 3 to 5 years and will become popular among the general public within 5 to 10 years.

The next few years will be crucial for the development of household robots, and it will require patience and perseverance to witness their widespread adoption.