China is winning one AI race, the US another – but either might pull ahead
6 hours ago
- #Technology Race
- #Artificial Intelligence
- #US-China Competition
- The US leads in AI 'brains' like chatbots and large language models (LLMs), exemplified by ChatGPT, while China excels in AI 'bodies' such as robotics and humanoid robots.
- The US uses export controls to limit China's access to high-end microchips and advanced chipmaking equipment, aiming to maintain its AI advantage.
- China's DeepSeek chatbot, launched in January 2025, challenged US dominance by achieving similar capabilities at lower cost, potentially accelerating China's self-reliance in AI.
- China has a significant edge in robotics, with millions of working robots and a focus on humanoid robots to address an ageing population, accounting for 90% of global humanoid robot exports.
- Agentic AI, which enables robots to perform complex tasks independently, remains a US strength, with applications in industrial robots and battlefield drones.
- The outcome of the AI race depends on sustained advantage, economic integration, and global standards, with both countries pursuing different regulatory and innovation approaches.