Robotics Revolutionaries – Gen Z Engineers Behind China’s Service Robots

Profile: Xu Ming (24) – Roboticist at a Shenzhen startup developing eldercare robots

By: Dr. Emily Carter | Tech & Innovation Correspondent

The Rise of Service Robots in China

China is not only a global leader in manufacturing robots for factories but also rapidly advancing in service robotics — robots designed to help people in daily life. At just 24, Xu Ming is at the center of this revolution. Working at a Shenzhen robotics startup, Xu is developing eldercare robots that assist seniors with mobility, medication reminders, and even companionship.

With over 280 million people aged 60 or above, China faces one of the world’s fastest-aging populations. Xu’s work is part of a larger effort to ensure smart technology supports senior citizens, aligning with Beijing’s Healthy China 2030 (健康中国2030) strategy.

Innovation with a Human Touch

Xu Ming’s flagship project, the “CareBot”, is designed not just as a machine but as a digital companion. It can speak in Mandarin and Cantonese, detect emotions through facial recognition, and respond with soothing music or health tips.

During pilot tests in Guangdong nursing homes, many elderly residents nicknamed the robots “小孙子 (little grandchild)” because of their gentle voices and supportive functions. For Xu, this cultural resonance is key: “Robots must fit into Chinese family values of filial piety (孝顺), not replace them.”

A Shenzhen Story

Shenzhen, often called the robotics capital of China, provides the perfect ecosystem for Xu’s innovations. Surrounded by companies like DJI and UBTECH, Xu collaborates with hardware and AI engineers daily. His startup benefits from the city’s government-backed robotics funds and testing zones.

Challenges and Breakthroughs

Despite progress, Xu faces challenges:

Affordability — eldercare robots remain expensive for average households.

Trust — older generations often prefer human contact over machines.

To address these, Xu’s team is working on low-cost models and organizing community demo days where seniors can try robots themselves. One grandmother in Shenzhen joked, “If it can make dumplings, I’ll buy it tomorrow!”

Outlook

For Xu Ming and his peers, robotics is not just about technology but about cultural empathy. By designing robots that respect Chinese traditions of family care while addressing modern demographic pressures, Xu is pioneering a uniquely Chinese path to service robotics.

At 24, he already represents the future of how innovation can care for society’s most vulnerable.