At the end of 2023, at the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, the listing ceremony of Shenzhen-based company UBTECH Robotics kicked off. The Panda Robot "Youyou" confidently stepped onto the stage and handed a gong striker to Zhou Jian, UBTECH Robotics' Chairman and CEO. At the same time, the new industrial humanoid robot, Walker S, made its debut. They joined in the ringing of the IPO listing bell.
This historic moment marked the first time in human history that a humanoid robot rang the gong, making it a milestone in the global acceleration of commercializing humanoid robots. In celebration of the birth of the world's first stock of humanoid robots, seven iconic landmarks in Shenzhen were illuminated, highlighting the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship in the city.
Humanoid robots are hailed as the "pearl on the crown of robotics" since they are widely recognized as the most challenging type of robots to develop and manufacture.
"In these past 11 years, my deepest feeling has been about persistence. We may not be the smartest group of people, but it doesn't matter. I believe that our perseverance will bring big payoffs," said Mr. Zhou Jian, Chairman and CEO of UBTECH Robotics, in an interview.
Mr. Zhou's inspiring story has even been adapted into the popular TV drama "City of Youth" (《青春之城》) broadcasted by China Central Television (CCTV). Based on the innovative city of Shenzhen, the series tells the entrepreneurial stories of generations of Shenzheners who dare to lead the way, take risks, and fear no failure. One of the storylines revolves around the protagonist Fang Yuanjian's journey in developing humanoid robots. Affluent as he is, the man stepped out of his comfort zone in pursuit of his passion, and made a firm determination to master the core technology of humanoid robots.
With the belief that a small step for robots in the 21st century is a giant leap for humanity, Fang Yuanjian embarked on the path of innovation without hesitation, eventually leading his team to develop a world-leading humanoid robot. This journey mirrors the entrepreneurial spirit of Mr. Zhou.
In the TV Series "City of Youth," UBTECH Robotics' commercial service robot Cruzr, the intelligent humanoid robot for education Alpha Mini, and the large-scale humanoid robot Walker, respectively depict the characters "Xionghaizi" (Mischievous Kid), "Yudi" (Raindrop), and "Nezha". Their impressive performances have left a deep impression on the audience. At the Hong Kong Stock Exchange listing ceremony, it was the new-generation industrial humanoid robot, Walker S, that stood on the stage to ring the gong alongside other robots.
Prior to the debut of this TV series on CCTV, a viewing event for the "City of Youth" was held in Shenzhen, where young technology enthusiasts gathered to watch the drama. In one of the episodes, the appearance of "Nezha" - the character played by the Walker robot from UBTECH Robotics - signified the success of Fang Yuanjian and his team's years of effort and dedication to independently develop China's humanoid robots. The theater erupted with enthusiastic applause, and the young technology enthusiasts in Shenzhen said, "It's so inspiring!"
On the evening of December 29th, 2023, coinciding with UBTECH Robotics' listing, seven iconic landmarks in Shenzhen lit up in celebration to highlight the city's spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship. Many young technology enthusiasts were greatly encouraged, saying,"It is remarkable that one has a dream in Shenzhen. You will be understood, supported, and helped. Entrepreneurs here never feel alone."
Source:Yangcheng Evening News
“人形机器人”敲锣上市,深圳七大地标亮灯庆祝!
2023年岁末,港交所,深圳企业优必选上市仪式现场,熊猫机器人优悠稳步走上台,向优必选董事会主席、执行董事兼行政总裁周剑递出锣锤。同时,优必选全新一代工业版人形机器人Walker S首次亮相,一同敲响企业挂牌上市之锣。
这是人类历史上第一次由人形机器人敲锣,成为全球人形机器人加速商业化进程中的重要事件。“人形机器人”第一股诞生,央视热播剧《青春之城》梦想照进现实,深圳七大地标纷纷亮灯庆祝,点赞深圳创新创业精神。
人形机器人被誉为“机器人皇冠上的明珠”,这是因为在所有机器人的研发制造中,人形机器人的难度是业界公认最高的。
“这11年来,我最大的感受就是坚持。我们可能不是最聪明的那群人,但是没关系,我相信我们的坚持一定能有收获。”优必选董事会主席、执行董事兼行政总裁周剑告诉记者。
周剑的奋斗故事,已经写进央视热播剧《青春之城》。这部电视剧以创新之都深圳为原型,讲述了一代代深圳人敢为人先、敢闯敢干、不怕失败的创业故事。剧中,主角方远舰研发人形机器人的经历是故事主线之一:本有着优渥经济条件的他,走出自身舒适圈,追寻心中热爱,下定决心要将人形机器人核心技术掌握在手里。
坚信“21世纪,机器人的一小步,就是人类的一大步”,方远舰义无反顾地走上创新之路,最终带领团队研发出世界领先水平的人形机器人。这,也正是周剑创业心路的写照。
在《青春之城》中,优必选商用服务机器人克鲁泽、智能人形教育机器人悟空、大型人形机器人Walker分别饰演了“熊孩子”“雨滴”“哪吒”三款机器人,它们的精彩表演,同样让观众印象深刻。此次港交所上市仪式,一同上台敲锣的,正是优必选全新一代工业版人形机器人Walker S。
此前,《青春之城》在央视上星开播之际,深圳特地举行了《青春之城》观影会,深圳科技青年相聚追剧。其中一个剧集中,随着“哪吒”——优必选所研发的Walker机器人亮相,意味着剧中方远舰和团队“砸锅卖铁好几年”,终于成功自主研发出属于中国的人形机器人。观影现场响起了热烈的掌声,深圳科技青年纷纷表示:“太燃了!”
2023年12月29日,在优必选上市的当晚,深圳七大地标纷纷亮灯庆祝,点赞深圳创新创业精神。不少科技青年备受鼓舞:“在深圳,有梦想就了不起,你会被理解、支持,帮助,创业者永远不会感到孤独。”
文 | 记者 沈婷婷
图 | 受访者提供
翻译|陈萱