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Asia’s AI robotics race: China leaps forward while South-east Asia finds its footing

High costs and labour trends slow the pace of robotic adoption in South-east Asia

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Evan See

Evan See

Published Mon, Jan 12, 2026 · 11:00 AM
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    • Analysts have projected that humanoid robots could outnumber industrial robots on the factory floor by 2034.
    • Analysts have projected that humanoid robots could outnumber industrial robots on the factory floor by 2034. PHOTO: REUTERS

    [SINGAPORE] Physical artificial intelligence (AI) is poised for its “ChatGPT moment” in 2026, according to Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang.

    Flanked by miniature robots straight out of a Star Wars film at the tech trade show Consumer Electronics Show in early January, Huang predicted that AI-powered robots with human-like locomotion and fine motor skills will emerge within the year.

    The incorporation of artificial intelligence into physical machines – known as “embodied AI” – has fuelled investor interest, with many seeing it as the crucial next step in both robotics and AI innovation.

    Artificial IntelligenceRoboticsNvidiaChinaAsean Business

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