China's robotics rush shows how its debt can get out of control

Wuhu

DOWN a side street bracketed by massage parlours and cheap hotels in this city on the banks of the Yangtze river, a humanoid food service robot trundles around the corner of a table in a cafe, red eyes flashing in tune with synthesised classical music.

The Wuhu Hands On Café's waiter, named "Hero", has no customers on a drizzly Friday morning. He is, though, a symbol of Wuhu city's hopes of becoming a major centre for robotics, and the local government's ability to chase that dream through the debt markets, whether it makes commercial sense or not.

"Hero" was the result of six months research at a nearby robotics park that has cost 2.2 billion yuan (S$445 million) to establish. For the park's next stage, including a hotel, an exhibition centre and a cultural plaza, Wuhu is raising ano…