The humanoid robot race has seen an explosion of new firms in China, and the government has been pouring subsidies into developing machines that are becoming smart enough and cheap enough to replace human workers in factories.

Shanghai

Dozens of humanoid robots are being trained for complex tasks at a data lab operated by Chinese startup Agibot near Shanghai. The robots are performing tasks such as steaming shirts, dressing themselves, and preparing sandwiches for extended periods. This effort is part of a broader push by China to develop humanoid robots that can perform labor-intensive jobs, with the support of significant government subsidies.

Recent demonstrations have shown Chinese humanoid robots executing feats such as somersaults and running half marathons. The country's advancements combine sophisticated artificial intelligence platforms, like DeepSeek, with robust hardware manufacturing capabilities. President Xi Jinping recently visited Agibot's lab, drawing attention to the strategic importance China places on this technology in addressing economic and demographic challenges, including tariffs, an aging population, and slower economic growth.

A review of public documents indicates a sharp rise in Chinese government procurement of humanoid robots and related technologies, from 4.7 million yuan to 214 million yuan within a year. Over $20 billion has been allocated to the sector in the past year, and new companies are rapidly entering the market. In 2024 alone, 31 Chinese firms introduced 36 humanoid models, compared to eight by U.S. companies.

China is able to quickly scale production due to its ability to source up to 90 percent of robot components domestically. Current units are priced at approximately $35,000, but some manufacturers anticipate this figure could halve in the near future. The Chinese government is supporting the sector through subsidies, free office space, and public procurement initiatives.

The increase in automation has raised concerns about the impact on employment. Experts suggest that up to 70 percent of China’s manufacturing jobs could be affected, potentially reducing social security contributions. Proposals have been made to introduce unemployment insurance for workers displaced by robots. Industry representatives note that robots are being targeted toward repetitive or hazardous tasks. Authorities see humanoid robots as a solution to growing labor shortages, especially in sectors like elderly care, as the country's population continues to age.



After the space race, China wants to win in humanoid robots

On the outskirts of Shanghai, dozens of humanoid robots are hard at work, steaming shirts, getting dressed, making sandwiches for up to 17 hours a day. But this isn't a factory floor yet. It's a data lab run by Chinese startup Agibot, and it's part of China's race to lead the global humanoid revolution and transform the way we live, work and play. Yao Maoqing is a partner at the company. We want to use general purpose robots to create unlimited productivity. Just imagine that one day in our own robot factory, our robots are assembling themselves. Chinese humanoids are already performing increasingly complex feats, like somersaults and running a half marathon. President Xi Jinping recently inspected Agibot's products at a lab in Shanghai, and his visit highlights Beijing's long-term strategy using humanoids to counter U.S. tariffs, an aging population and slowing economic growth. For the first time, Reuters is reporting details about how China's technological advances are allowing already impressive hardware to be paired with the software needed to make these robots economically viable. Here the prowess of homegrown artificial intelligence platforms like DeepSeek is being combined with abundant government support. Reuters spoke to more than a dozen people, from robot makers and investors to analysts and users, who say the breakthroughs are moving robots from spectacle to solution and could revolutionize China's manufacturing supremacy as it competes with the U.S. The Chinese government plans to build its edge by focusing on data training and the sophistication of its AI models, and authorities are handing out generous subsidies or free office space for humanoid firms. Over $20 billion has been allocated to the sector over the past year. The government is also a key buyer, according to a Reuters review of tender documents. Public procurement of humanoid robots and related tech jumped to 214 million yuan in 2024, from 4.7 million the year before. The Chinese government didn't respond to questions about its role in supporting the development of humanoid robots. There has also been an explosion of new firms in the sector. In 2024 alone, 31 Chinese companies unveiled 36 competing humanoid models. U.S. companies presented eight, according to Morgan Stanley. The nation's clearest advantage, though, is its domination of humanoid hardware. Up to 90 percent of robot parts can be made locally, so Chinese firms can scale quickly. Current units can cost around $35,000. But three manufacturers told Reuters they predict costs to halve, perhaps within a year. Rui Ma is a tech analyst. The way the Chinese government looks at it is that humanoid robotics can be the next EV industry, where by investing in the entire manufacturing supply chain, you can come up with a product that is better, cheaper and globally exportable from China. But the rise of humanoids has sparked concerns for the current workforce. One expert warned up to 70 percent of China's manufacturing jobs could be at risk, and that could lead to a steep decline in social security contributions. The chairman of domestic AI firm iFlytech has suggested creating an unemployment insurance program for workers replaced by robots, while one industry professional told Reuters that its prototypes were targeting the boring, repetitive or dangerous jobs that humans don't want to do. Beijing, though, sees the technology as key to plugging labor shortages in areas such as elderly care. Demand is only increasing as China's 1.4 billion population ages.

Officials in the U.S. state of Texas say at least 13 people have died in overnight flash floods after torrential rains triggered an overflow of the Guadalupe River. Nearly 20 children attending a summer camp in the south-central area are missing.

Kerr County

Deadly Texas floods: Search efforts underway for missing children

Türkiye has been battling wildfires for more than a week, with its western province of Izmir among the hardest hit. Thousands have been forced to flee as flames threaten homes and villages.

Ödemiş

Turkiye wildfires: At least two dead as fires burn for eighth day

It was not clear if Hamas’ statement meant it had accepted the proposal from US President Donald Trump for a 60-day ceasefire.

Jerusalem

Hamas says it is  'positive' about latest ceasefire proposal

President Trump brought pomp and circumstance to his signing of the "big, beautiful bill" on Friday, with an Independence Day ceremony at the White House that included a B-2 bomber flyover.

Washington

Global Tariffs

Trump signs "big, beautiful bill" as tariff deadline looms

Heavy rainfall in central Texas caused the Guadalupe River to overflow and unleash a torrent of water. The bodies of at least 13 children and adults have been recovered and more than 20 girls are missing from a sleepaway camp.

Floods kill at least 13 in Texas, over 20 missing from summer camp

The talk comes a day after President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed Ukraine, Iran and other issues in a call the Kremlin described as "frank and constructive."

Kyiv

Ukraine Invasion

Zelenskyy, Trump agree on joint defense efforts in phone call

Russia pummeled Kyiv with the largest drone attack of the war, injuring at least 23 people and damaging buildings across the capital only hours after U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Russia's Vladimir Putin, officials said.

Russia hits Kyiv with largest drone attack after Trump-Putin call

U.S. President Donald Trump marked the passage of the new spending bill, which includes changes to food assistance, student loan programs, and clean energy credits. Robert Costa joins "CBS Mornings" to break down what's in the legislation.

Trump set to sign "big, beautiful bill"

More than 80 Palestinians were killed in Gaza on Thursday (July 3), according to health officials, as Israel intensified its strikes, hitting a school-turned-displacement facility. CNN’s Paula Hancocks looks at the damage and humanitarian toll.

More than 80 people killed in Gaza in one day

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv will do "anything" to advance EU accession talks. Zelenskyy spoke alongside Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, President of the European Council António Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.

Ukraine will do 'anything' to advance EU accession talks: Zelenskyy

President Donald Trump said Washington will start sending letters to countries on Friday specifying what tariff rates they will face on imports to the United States, a clear shift from earlier pledges to strike scores of individual deals.

Trump: Letters telling countries their tariff rate going out Friday

Indonesian rescuers on Thursday (July 3) temporarily halted a search for 30 people still missing after a ferry carrying 65 people sank near the island of Bali with the loss of six lives, the national search and rescue agency said.

Gilimanuk

Indonesia suspends search for 30 missing after ferry sinks near Bali

After marathon debate sessions in the Senate and House, President Donald Trump’s budget bill passed in the House. Republicans secured the biggest win of Trump’s presidency.

Trump’s landmark ‘big, beautiful bill’ narrowly passes U.S. House

Florida says the first group of migrant detainees have arrived at the new immigration detention center known as "Alligator Alcatraz." CBS News correspondent Shanelle Kaul has more.

Ochopee

First group of detainees arrive at "Alligator Alcatraz," Florida says

U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday (July 3) that he spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin and that he plans to hold a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. CBS News White House reporter Willie James Inman has more.

Trump speaks with Putin, plans call with Zelenskyy

CNN’s Priscilla Alvarez reports on a lawsuit from lawyers for Kilmar Abrego Garcia alleging he suffered “torture and mistreatment” after he was wrongfully deported and held in El Salvador’s notorious mega prison.

Tecoluca

Kilmar Abrego Garcia claims he was tortured in El Salvadoran prison

The Kremlin welcomed the development, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov claiming it proves Western arsenals are being depleted and predicting that less aid will hasten the end of the conflict.

U.S. pauses military aid to Ukraine over depleted weapons stockpile

Two contractors employed by UG Solutions spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity as they were revealing their employers’ internal operations.

U.S. contractors say live ammo used at Gaza aid distribution site

Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries spoke for hours on the House floor about potential impacts of President Trump's "big, beautiful bill" that Republicans are looking to pass before July 4. Following debate, the House is set for a final vote on the massive budget bill.

House debates Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' ahead of final vote

CBS News political contributor Caroline Polisi joins "CBS Mornings" to break down the jury's verdict in Sean "Diddy" Combs' federal trial and the judge's decision to deny bail for the music mogul ahead of his sentencing.

Manhattan

Sean "Diddy" Combs denied bail after split verdict

Liverpool soccer player Diogo Jota has died aged 28, just weeks after marrying his childhood sweetheart. The footballer passed away in a car crash in northern Spain.

Madrid

Liverpool soccer player dies in car crash 10 days after wedding

The Pentagon said that U.S. strikes 10 days ago had degraded Iran's nuclear program by up to two years, suggesting the U.S. military operation likely achieved its goals despite a far more cautious initial assessment that leaked to the public.

Tehran

Iran Strikes

Iran nuclear program degraded by up to two years: Pentagon

Days before his 90th birthday, the Dalai Lama announced the Gaden Phodrang Trust, a non-profit he founded, will have the sole authority to recognize his future reincarnation, but China insists it will choose the successor of the Tibetan spiritual leader.

Lhasa

China rejects Dalai Lama’s succession plan

The U.S. Congress inched towards approving President Donald Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill, despite attempts by Democrats to stop it. The bill is Trump’s signature legislation which includes massive spending increases on the military and immigration enforcement while slashing social programs.

Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill nears approval

Sean (Diddy) Combs was found guilty on prostitution-related charges, but was acquitted on more serious charges of racketeering and sex trafficking giving him a maximum sentence of 20 years. But the courtroom victory was subdued following a judge’s ruling to deny him bail.

New York

Diddy denied bail, avoids life in prison

President Trump says Israel has agreed to a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, but it remains unclear if Hamas will accept the terms. CBS News senior foreign correspondent Debora Patta has more.

Trump says Israel has agreed to Gaza ceasefire conditions

Bryan Kohberger changed his plea to guilty Wednesday for the 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students. CBS News national correspondent Carter Evans has more on the case.

Boise

New details revealed as Kohberger pleads guilty for 2022 Idaho murders

The Wisconsin Supreme Court struck down a state abortion law that was adopted in 1849 in a 4-3 landmark decision. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul reports.

Madison

Wisconsin Supreme Court strikes down 176-year-old state abortion ban

Macron and Putin held regular discussions around the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with Macron visiting Putin in Russia in February 2022, but dialogue eventually stalled.

Paris

Macron held 'substantial' phone call with Putin

President Trump toured “Alligator Alcatraz,” a migrant detention center he teamed up with Ron DeSantis to build in the Everglades.