Jefferson Reporter

The Wall Street Journal recently featured a column by U.S. Senator Katie Britt and Commissioner Jacob Helberg, addressing the potential threat posed by Chinese humanoid robots. The article emphasizes the need for Congress to take measures to safeguard Americans from humanoids produced by foreign adversaries.

Humanoids are robots equipped with intelligence, agility, dexterity, and motor skills that enable them to integrate seamlessly into everyday environments. Although this technology is still emerging, it is anticipated to become widespread in industrial, commercial, and residential settings globally.

The column highlights concerns about China's ambitions in robotics: “China wants to lead the world in all robotics—especially humanoids—and is able to do it for less, owing to its inhumane labor practices. Estimates indicate Chinese humanoids might cost as little as one-fifth as much as their Western competitors."

It further warns of economic implications: “Humanoids will become important to almost every industry, which means the economy will be tied to the largest producer of these robots. Reliance on Chinese-made robots would tie American economic success to the goodwill of the Communist Party.”

National security concerns are also raised: “Humanoid robots will have both defensive and offensive national-security implications. The U.S. military is exploring ways to incorporate humanoids into modern warfare, but China has already deployed armed robotics to the battlefield."

Senator Britt and Commissioner Helberg argue for independent development of this technology: “We need to procure and develop this technology independent from China. The Defense and Homeland Security departments are already required by law to source some war-fighting technologies domestically. But humanoids could fit into statutory exceptions to these requirements.”