Robotics Revolution: Why Smart Functionality Trumps Human-Like Design in China’s Tech Boom

At the September 9th ’25th CIFIT • Phoenix Network Wutong Night Talk’ exchange dinner in Xiamen, industry leaders gathered to discuss investment opportunities beneath global trends. He Jianjun (何建军), President of China Venture Capital Asset Management, shared groundbreaking perspectives on robotics development that challenge conventional thinking about artificial intelligence and automation.

The Reality of Robotics Development Today

Many imagine robots as humanoid machines from science fiction, but He Jianjun presents a more practical vision. He emphasizes that robotics development must focus on specific scenarios rather than abstract concepts. The key isn’t creating machines that look like humans, but developing equipment that can perform intelligent functions in targeted environments.

Beyond Human Form: The Functionality Focus

He questions the obsession with humanoid designs, noting that human form represents an idealized direction rather than a requirement. Not every company needs to build human-like robots. What matters most is creating smart equipment that can replace human labor in specific scenarios through intelligent functionality.

The Current State of Robotics Industry

He characterizes the robotics sector as still in its early developmental stages, noting that hype often outweighs substance. The industry needs to ground itself in practical applications rather than theoretical possibilities.

From Demonstrations to Practical Applications

He criticizes robotics exhibitions that prioritize spectacle over substance, suggesting that watching robots run races provides less value than seeing them prepare a meal. This emphasis on practical smart functionality represents a shift toward meaningful development.

Overcoming Implementation Challenges

Through investment and application observation, He identified scene applicability as the greatest obstacle facing robotics today. Frequent operational failures and inadequate maintenance services create significant barriers to adoption.

The Operational Solution

Initial industry entry revealed widespread customer dissatisfaction with robots that malfunctioned after few days of use and required lengthy repair cycles. This led to a strategic pivot toward robotics operations and leasing, which lowered customer barriers while generating valuable real-scenario data.

Practical Applications in Action

He’s company established a robotics operation firm that leases products to clients, with significant collaboration property management companies. These partnerships cover various scenarios including fire prevention, cleaning, and patrol duties.

Cost-Effective Automation Examples

He predicts significantly different maturation rates across various scenarios. Simple applications like patrol and cleaning may achieve unmanned operation within three years, while complex environments such as home elderly care could require five years or more to mature.

Complex Home Environment Challenges

Home service robots face particular difficulties due to scene complexity and insufficient data accumulation. Even seemingly simple tasks like laundry involve multiple steps—operating machines, retrieving clothing, hanging garments, and collecting dried items—that present substantial implementation challenges.

Participation Opportunities in Robotics

For ordinary individuals seeking to engage with the robotics industry, He acknowledges limited direct opportunities due to high technological and application barriers. Most people will find better options through indirect participation methods.

Investment and Personal Development Paths

General investors might consider stock market participation, while individuals should focus on skill development to avoid automation replacement. The emphasis remains on adapting to technological change rather than attempting to directly enter a highly specialized field.

Embracing Practical Robotics Development

The future of robotics lies not in creating human replicas but in developing specialized tools with sophisticated smart functionality. As the industry matures, scene-specific applications will drive innovation while generating practical value across numerous sectors.

He Jianjun’s perspective offers a realistic roadmap for robotics development that prioritizes functionality over form. By focusing on specific scenarios and practical applications, companies can create intelligent systems that genuinely transform industries and improve efficiency. The evolution toward smart functionality represents the most promising path forward for robotics technology.

As robotics continues to advance, stakeholders should monitor developments in operational models and scene-specific applications. Whether as investors, industry participants, or simply observers of technological progress, understanding the shift toward practical smart functionality provides crucial insight into one of today’s most dynamic sectors. The robots that will most impact our lives may not look human, but they will increasingly demonstrate intelligent capabilities that transform how we work and live.