Shenzhen-made robots shine at Pyeongchang Winter Olympics

A group of Shenzhen-made humanoid robots enjoyed quite a moment in the spotlight after appearing at the Beijing eight-minute show during the closing ceremony of the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.

The robots, known as Aelos, were developed by Leju Robot, a high-tech artificial intelligence company headquartered in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen. During the eight-minute show in Pyeongchang, the robots waved the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics flag, leaving a deep impression on people across the world.      

Aelos, humanoid robots made by Shenzhen-based Leju Robot, wave the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics flag during the Beijing eight-minute show in Pyongchang. [Photo/oeeee.com]

According to An Ziwei, COO of Leju Robot, the robots were selected by Zhang Yimou, famous Chinese director and the person behind the eight-minute show. The robots provided the world with a glimpse into China's booming artificial intelligence industry with their impressive ability to perform agilely despite the cold environment.

Leju Robot was founded in 2016 by eight aspiring graduates from the Harbin Institute of Technology who were determined to create the best humanoid robot in the world. The company attaches great importance to R&D and possesses a wealth of advanced technologies relating to AI design and algorithms. It is estimated that the company's annual turnover will reach 200 million yuan ($31.5 million) in 2018.   

A staff member lines up the robot in the snow. [Photo/oeeee.com]

"Young as we are, we have been pouring our energy into robots for over ten years and believe that what we are developing is not only a machine, but a friend that looks and thinks like we do," said An.

He spoke highly of Shenzhen's business environment when talking about the growth of his company, saying that the city has offered great support for his group in starting a business and promoting technology industrialization.

"In Shenzhen you can achieve anything you want to, as long as you put in the effort."

A photographer shoots the video of Aelos for the Beijing eight-minute show at the closing ceremony of the 2018 Pyongchang Winter Olympics. [Photo/oeeee.com]