Lightning Strikes: China’s Robot Revolution

Lightning Strikes: China’s Robot Revolution

From The Little Red Podcast by Graeme Smith and Louisa Lim

May 6, 2026 · 51 min

About this episode

The episode explores China's dominance in the humanoid robot industry and features discussions on the future of robotics.

In the second episode of our series, China Rules, we look at an industry dominated by China: humanoid robots. Beijing’s running, dancing and fighting robots are more than just a gimmick; the country’s 15th Five-year Plan puts robotics right at the heart of its modern industrial system. China already accounts for 80% of global humanoid robot installations. In a recent half marathon, a humanoid robot called Lightning left the real humans behind for the first time, breaking the tape in just over 50 minutes.  To discuss the future of the robot wars, Louisa and Graeme are joined by Alberto Moel, former Vice President of Veo Robotics, now with the University of Hong Kong, and Chang Che, a freelance writer who was formerly the Asia technology correspondent for the New York Times. Image: Robot in Traditional Attire at Airport Hall, c/- iStock photos, Daqian Wang, 25 February 2026. Transcripts available at https://ciw.anu.edu.au/podcasts/little-red-podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People in this episode

Hosts: Graeme Smith, Louisa Lim

Guests: Alberto Moel, Chang Che

Topics covered

  • humanoid robots
  • China's robotics industry
  • robot wars
  • technology
  • innovation
  • industrial system

Keywords

  • China
  • humanoid robots
  • robot revolution
  • Alberto Moel
  • Chang Che
  • technology
  • 15th Five-year Plan

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Veo Robotics, University of Hong Kong, New York Times

Products: humanoid robots

Places: China

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