THE future is here as the aged care industry has an increasing thirst for AI robot carers, with new companies developing hauntingly realistic humanoid machines.
The Autumn Edition of the HKTDC Electronics Fair launched on Monday, showcasing the latest breakthroughs in AI and robotics, including a personalised robot massage therapist and another that can run an entire cafe solo.
Increasingly realistic AI-powered robots are appearing at tech conventions like the HKTDC Hong Kong Electronics Fair
Some of the newer robots are developed to work in aged care or as emergency service workers
Other AI-powered robotics companies are developing products aimed at providing elderly companionship
The four-day event has become a hub for the robotics industry as it evolves and further integrates with AI.
Thousands of exhibitors from more than 20 countries around the world attended the convention, each displaying the latest robotics applications in , rehabilitation and daily life, with some featuring particularly human-esque .
Leaning into everyday life, company COFE+ developed a machine that makes the popular morning brew specifically tailored to the drinker.
The newest evolution of the robot is one that can “run an entire cafe”, according to Nevin Gong-bin, the overseas sales director.
Each beverage can be customised for sweetness, strength and temperature, or even printed in 3D with a photo, logo or message on the foam.
Adding to its appeal for owners, the unit can brew five cups simultaneously – up to 1,000 cups a day – and operates around the clock.
COFE+ has launched in nearly 60 countries, including Singapore’s National University, Kuala Lumpur and Penang airports, and Indonesian telecom campuses.
Moving from coffee to medical care, Shenzhen DeyeeMed, a company developing robots for and therapy applications showcased two innovative products.
The robots have been designed to identify human acupoints and quantify massage data, in order to deliver customised treatments for each user, an invention that could revolutionise the massage therapy industry.
According to Planning Director Hu Xin, the new tech is helping to reduce labour costs for hiring massage therapists and also lower the physical workload for existing practitioners.
Other companies like Deep Robotics are changing the way both emergency services and annual firefighter calendars could look, as they have busily developed the next generation of first responders, particularly firefighters.
Daniel Wong, the business development manager at Hong Kong Logistics and Systems Ltd – which represents Deep Robotics in Hong Kong – said demand for such robots was increasing, particularly in governmental agencies.
Shanghai Qingbao Robot Co has focused on filling gaps in the aged care industry, with humanoid that have flexibly controlled facial movements.
Wang Lei, the company’s chairman and chief executive officer said the demand for humanoid robots had increased in overseas to help fill gaps in aged care services and elderly companionship.
Wang told Daily that 70 per cent of potential customers that approached him on the tech festival’s opening day had been internationally based.
Another Chinese company PaXini Tech also introduced its humanoid robots, equipped with tactile sensors – a feature to enhance precision in force control.
Many new products and robotic designs were on display
Some robots looked more human than others at the tech fest
The electronics fair will run until October 16
Through platforms like the trade fairs, PaXini Tech has entered the Western market, landing collaborations with international clients, mainly from the , , and .
Also looking to launch internationally, Startup SOTA Robotics showcased an “embodied intelligence robot” leaning into culture and entertainment.
The machine is designed to carry out tasks including performing orchestral music based on audience reactions.
The company has also targeted these robots towards the aged care industry, specifically looking at elderly companionship.
The tech fest is set to run for four days, between October 13 and October 16.
