Dutch launch humanoid robot center to 'kickstart' race with China

The Humanoid Application Center, opened near Rotterdam, is intended to bring companies, researchers and technicians together to accelerate the use and development of humanoid robots in Europe. The hub includes white humanoid robots and a gray robotic dog, and seeks to help businesses apply the technology to corporate problems. Chief executive Evert Jaap Lugt said rapid advances in humanoid robotics have been strengthened by artificial intelligence. He said the center is meant to help launch a European response in a field he described as dominated by China.

China accounted for 85% of the world's humanoid installations last year, according to Barclays. Lugt said Europe was behind in the technology and argued that its opportunity may lie in robot applications and adoption. He also predicted that, within five years, humanoids could become difficult to distinguish from people at a distance of five meters. He envisaged AI-powered companion robots that resemble and behave like deceased loved ones.

Real estate director Niels Langenhuizen said his company, which builds prefabricated houses, planned to introduce its first humanoid robot at one construction site by the end of the year. He said reliance on human manual labor prevents round-the-clock production and makes it hard to meet the Dutch government's stated target of 100,000 houses annually. He said humanoids could speed construction, improve flexibility and make housing more affordable.