Chinese AI Companies Defend Their Safety Practices Amid Western Criticism

Chinese companies are addressing the challenges associated with artificial intelligence in a manner that reflects their unique cultural context, asserting that they should not be evaluated solely through a Western perspective. This assertion comes as the Chinese AI sector gears up for a significant month, with the release of new models anticipated just before the Lunar New Year. Last year, apprehensions regarding the safety of Chinese AI models hindered their global adoption, with the notable case of DeepSeek facing bans or restrictions in over ten countries, including the United States, Italy, and India.

Credit: UNSPLASH

As the new year unfolds, evaluations indicate that Chinese AI models have significantly narrowed the performance gap with their American counterparts, reaching the closest level of competition yet. This progress has sparked discussions about the necessity for Chinese firms to enhance their focus on AI safety, particularly concerning issues such as misuse and misalignment. In a recent podcast, Tu Jinhao, a former researcher at DeepSeek, highlighted that the intense drive to catch up with the United States has overshadowed essential domestic efforts in AI safety. He remarked that the majority of computational resources are being allocated to training AI models, leaving insufficient attention for safety measures.

Credit: UNSPLASH

The concerns surrounding AI safety are not unfounded. The rapid advancement of AI technologies has raised alarms about potential risks, including the misuse of AI systems and the ethical implications of their deployment. As Chinese developers strive to compete on a global scale, they are also urged to consider the broader implications of their innovations. The dialogue surrounding AI safety is becoming increasingly critical, especially as the technology continues to evolve at a breakneck pace.

Chinese AI firms are now at a crossroads, balancing the need for innovation with the imperative of ensuring safety and ethical standards. The industry insiders argue that the cultural context in which these technologies are developed plays a crucial role in shaping their safety practices. They contend that Western criticisms often overlook the nuances of the Chinese approach to AI development and safety.

As the competition intensifies, the focus on safety will likely become a defining factor in the success of Chinese AI companies. The ability to address safety concerns while continuing to innovate will be essential for gaining the trust of global users. The upcoming releases of new AI models will serve as a litmus test for how well these companies can navigate the complex landscape of technological advancement and safety considerations.

In summary, the Chinese AI sector is making strides in performance while grappling with the critical issue of safety. The industry's response to Western criticism reflects a broader understanding of the need for a culturally informed approach to AI development. As the landscape evolves, the emphasis on safety will be paramount in shaping the future of AI in China and beyond.

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• Chinese AI firms argue for a culturally contextual understanding of safety practices

• DeepSeek faced bans in over ten countries due to safety concerns

• Chinese models have narrowed the performance gap with US rivals

• Industry insiders stress the need for a balanced focus on innovation and safety

Biomimetic AI Robot Moya Debuts, Boasts 92% Human-Like Walk

A humanoid robot named Moya has debuted in Shanghai, drawing attention for its human-like walking accuracy and expressions. DroidUp, the robotics organisation behind it, describes Moya as the world’s first fully biomimetic embodied intelligent robot.

Credit: DroidUp/WeChat

Moya operates on the principle of embodied artificial intelligence, enabling it to perceive, reason, and act within the physical world. Videos circulating online show the robot smiling, nodding, making eye contact, and walking with a gait closely resembling human movement.

The company claims Moya can replicate human micro-expressions, positioning it among the most human-like robots currently under development. Its walking posture reportedly achieves 92% accuracy, highlighting a focus on stable, natural locomotion.

Moya stands 1.65 metres tall and weighs approximately 32 kilograms, with proportions similar to an adult human. DroidUp also states the robot maintains a body temperature between 32 and 36 degrees Celsius, enhancing its lifelike presence during interaction.

The robot’s appearance and behaviour have elicited mixed reactions on Chinese social media. Some viewers expressed fascination with its realism, while others described its movement as unsettling, reflecting the "uncanny valley" phenomenon.

Moya builds on DroidUp’s earlier humanoid robotics work, though specific technical details remain limited. According to the RoboHorizon website, the robot is built on a “Walker 3” chassis.

This modular design allows its external appearance to be customised without altering the underlying mechanical structure. DroidUp has not formally detailed this platform in its own disclosures.

The company is not presenting Moya solely as a domestic robot. DroidUp envisions the humanoid being used across healthcare, education, and other commercial environments where human-robot interaction is central.

The robot is expected to enter the market by late 2026. A reported starting price of approximately JPY 1.2 million has been cited.

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• Moya, a biomimetic AI robot, debuted in Shanghai, developed by DroidUp.

• The robot features a 92% human-like walking accuracy and micro-expressions.

• It stands 1.65 metres tall, weighs 32 kilograms, and maintains a body temperature between 32 and 36 degrees Celsius.

Source: INTERESTING ENGINEERING

Robots to Engage with Seniors in Singapore Care Centres as Part of Innovative Research Study

From the coming month, charming doll-like robots will be interacting with seniors at various care centres across Singapore. These robots, named Lovot and Kebbi, are designed to follow the elderly around, inviting pats and hugs while responding with endearing baby-like sounds. With their expressive eyes and cheerful demeanour, these robots are part of a pioneering study aimed at exploring whether robotic companions can encourage seniors, particularly those who are more reserved, to engage more openly in group settings.

Credit: SHINTARO TAY

This research initiative is a collaboration between the eldercare agency PCF Sparkle Care and the Singapore University of Social Sciences. Approximately seventy seniors will participate across four centres, with the study expected to last around six months. The robots are referred to as junior care programme coordinators, intended to facilitate interactions during activities such as group discussions, games, and multi-generational engagements involving children and young people.

This formal study follows an informal trial conducted at PCF Sparkle Care in Tampines the previous year. Andy Seet, the chief operating officer of PCF Sparkle Care, noted that seniors were initially hesitant about the robots. However, after just a week, it became apparent that those who had previously been silent began to engage, even singing to the robots. Remarkably, patients with dementia, who are often more reserved, started to sing songs in dialects they remembered from their youth.

During the launch of the study at the PCF Sparkle Care @ Kreta Ayer centre, Mr Seet shared these observations, highlighting the positive impact the robots had on the seniors' willingness to communicate. The robots are not intended to replace human caregivers but rather to provide emotional support and companionship. Mr Seet emphasised that human care, judgement, and relationships are irreplaceable in eldercare, forming the foundation of Sparkle Care's approach.

The robots were procured from Japanese robotics firm Groove X and Taiwan-based Nuwa Robotics, with each Lovot model costing around £8,000 and each Kebbi model approximately £1,600. Lovot, showcased at the launch, stands just under knee-high and is capable of moving independently on wheels while flapping its arms. It can recognise faces and adjust its responses based on the seniors' facial expressions and tone of voice. Although it cannot speak, it communicates through baby-like sounds in response to seniors' questions and conversations.

Madam Choo Poh Choo, an 80-year-old dementia patient who visits the centre three times a week, expressed her enjoyment in conversing with Lovot. She remarked that many of her children are now grown and married, leaving her with fewer people to talk to at home. She appreciates the robot's presence, stating that it alleviates her loneliness and allows her to express herself without fear of judgement. She noted that while robots provide a patient listening ear, she still prefers interacting with her fellow seniors at the centre.

The study will see the deployment of pairs of Lovot and Kebbi robots at additional care centres in Bukit Panjang, Braddell Heights, and Eunos. Data collected through built-in cameras in the robots, along with interviews and surveys, will help assess the effectiveness of these robotic companions and determine whether they will be permanently integrated into eldercare settings.

The launch of this study coincided with the opening of a new wing at the Kreta Ayer centre, which has nearly doubled its capacity to accommodate eighty-five seniors. The new facilities include a gaming room and a shop where passers-by can purchase snacks prepared by the seniors. Minister for Digital Development and Information, Josephine Teo, officiated the opening, highlighting the importance of creating an environment that acknowledges the contributions of the elderly in Singapore.

This innovative approach to eldercare reflects a growing recognition of the need for emotional support and companionship among seniors, particularly as they navigate the challenges of loneliness and social isolation. The integration of technology in this context aims to enhance the quality of life for the elderly, ensuring they remain engaged and connected within their communities.

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• Robots Lovot and Kebbi will interact with seniors to encourage social engagement.

• The study involves around 70 seniors across four care centres over six months.

• Initial trials showed positive effects on seniors' willingness to communicate, especially those with dementia.

• The robots are designed to provide emotional support, not to replace human caregivers.