TL;DR
- AlphaBot 2, developed by AI² Robotics, showcased its embodied AI skills playing dice at the Beyond Expo in Macao in May 2025.
- Embodied AI enables robots to understand and react to real-world environments, unlike traditional pre-programmed machines.
- Experts predict 80 million humanoid robots could be used in homes by 2050 (Morgan Stanley).
- Challenges include high costs, safety concerns, and privacy issues before robots become common household helpers.
From Dice Games to Household Tasks
AlphaBot 2 is more than just a dice player. Created by Shenzhen-based AI² Robotics, this humanoid robot uses embodied artificial intelligence (AI) to understand commands and interact with the world. At the recent Beyond Expo in Macao, the robot pressed a button on an automatic dice roller and even gave a thumbs up to human players, demonstrating its ability to interpret context and respond.
Yandong Guo, CEO of AI² Robotics, explained to CNN correspondent Kristie Lu Stout that unlike earlier robots which required explicit programming, AlphaBot 2 learns tasks quickly with only a few demonstrations.
Embodied AI: The Next Frontier
While conversational AI like ChatGPT is well-known, embodied AI integrates artificial intelligence with physical robots, enabling machines to perceive and act in complex environments.
Major companies such as Tesla and Figure AI are developing similar humanoid robots. In China, the government supports this technology with funding and innovation centers, making Shenzhen a hub with over 200 companies focused on robotics.
Industrial Use Today, Household Use Tomorrow
Currently, robots like AlphaBot 2 operate in industrial settings. For example, at Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor Co., the robot loads materials, tows carts, and attaches labels. However, CEO Guo envisions future models helping consumers at home, such as making tea or cleaning dishes.
Despite progress, experts highlight hurdles. Hong Kong-listed UBTech Robotics plans to release a $20,000 home companion robot soon, but notes it is years away from performing household chores reliably.
Challenges: Cost, Safety, and Privacy
The cost of humanoid robots remains high, with some models nearing $15,000 in China. AI² Robotics expects prices to fall to the range of an entry-level car within five years, making robots accessible to middle-class families.
Safety concerns persist—robots falling or malfunctioning could cause injury. Privacy is also an issue, as home robots rely on cameras and microphones that collect personal data.
The Road Ahead
AI² Robotics plans to deploy robots in Chinese airports by late 2025 for tasks like luggage cart management, and hopes to expand into senior care facilities within three to five years.
Experts predict it may take five to ten years before humanoid robots become truly useful in homes.
CEO Guo sums up the vision: “Our dream is to get one robot for every family.”
The Data
| Topic | Details |
| Robot showcased | AlphaBot 2 at Beyond Expo, Macao, May 2025 |
| Core technology | Embodied AI |
| Current use | Industrial tasks at Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor Co. |
| Projected household adoption | 80 million humanoid robots by 2050 (Morgan Stanley) |
| Price range | Around $15,000 today; expected to drop to entry-level car prices within 5 years |
| Challenges | High cost, safety risks, privacy concerns |
