Robots that look and act like humans have been a dream for decades.
Now, Ant Group, the Chinese tech giant behind Alipay, has unveiled its first humanoid robot, R1, at major tech events in Berlin and Shanghai.
And yes, it cooked shrimp for the crowd.
A Robot That Serves Shrimp
At the IFA 2025 tech show in Berlin, R1 rolled into the spotlight with a cooking demo.
The robot carefully added shrimp to a wok, stirring and preparing food for the audience.
It wasn’t lightning fast, but the point was clear: robots like R1 are getting closer to handling everyday tasks in real life.
Imagine walking into a restaurant and seeing a robot helping in the kitchen or delivering your food to the table. That’s the future Ant Group is pitching.
What Makes R1 Stand Out?
- Size and shape: About human height (1.6 – 1.75 meters) and weighing 110 kg, though it moves on wheels instead of legs.
- Flexible joints: With 34 degrees of freedom, its arms and hands can perform a range of motions.
- Speed: It can move at a speed of under 1.5 meters per second, not exactly sprinting, but steady.
- Use cases: Ant Group says R1 could become a kitchen helper, a caregiver in healthcare, or even a tour guide.
The company has already been testing R1 in restaurants and community centers, though no price or launch date has been announced yet.
Beyond the Kitchen: Big Plans for R1
Cooking is just the beginning. Ant Group imagines R1 in roles like:
- Healthcare: Assisting older people as a companion or caregiver.
- Tourism: Acting as a robotic guide in busy attractions.
- Hospitality: Serving food or helping with check-ins.
It’s easy to see the potential. Many industries face labor shortages, especially in caregiving and food service. Robots like R1 could help fill those gaps.
The Challenges Ahead
As exciting as R1 looks, there are still big questions:
- Real-world performance: Demo robots often look great on stage but struggle in messy, unpredictable environments.
- Cost: If R1 ends up being too expensive, it may be more of a novelty than a real solution.
- Safety: In a kitchen or hospital, mistakes aren’t just inconvenient; they can be dangerous.
- Public comfort: Will people feel safe with robots caring for loved ones or serving meals?
These hurdles mean R1’s journey from stage demo to everyday life could take time.
How R1 Fits Into the Bigger Picture
Ant Group isn’t alone.
Tesla has its Optimus robot, and other robotics companies in China and beyond are racing to create AI-powered humanoids.
The big difference? Many of these projects have been hyped for years with little to show.
Ant Group’s advantage might be its strong funding, access to AI expertise, and integration with China’s local supply chains.
Why This Matters
Humanoid robots represent a blend of software intelligence and physical action. If successful, they could change the way we live and work:
- Freeing up staff in industries with worker shortages
- Assisting caregivers in aging populations
- Offering more interactive, human-like service experiences
But until robots like R1 prove themselves outside staged demos, it’s wise to stay cautious.
Looking Ahead
What should we watch for?
- A clear timeline for when R1 will be available.
- Field tests in everyday places like hospitals, restaurants, and homes.
- User feedback on reliability, safety, and practicality.
- The next version of R1, which Ant Group says is already in the works.
The dream of a helpful humanoid robot isn’t new. But with R1, Ant Group has joined the global race to finally make it real.
Question for you
If you had a robot like R1 in your home, would you trust it to cook dinner or care for someone you love?
