Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the journey and achievements of 熊蓉, a prominent figure in humanoid robotics, emphasizing her transition from academic research to practical applications in the industry, particularly with the development of the "领航者" series of humanoid robots [1][19]. Group 1: Background and Early Career - 熊蓉 has been involved in robotics for 25 years, starting from her time at Zhejiang University, where she led a team to develop China's first soccer robot and won championships at international competitions [1][3]. - In 2000, 熊蓉 made a pivotal decision to enter the field of robotics, despite the nascent state of the industry in China, which had very few industrial robots and almost no humanoid research [5][6]. Group 2: Key Achievements - The team developed the first RoboCup soccer robot in 2001, which laid the foundation for future advancements in robotics [25]. - In 2011, the "悟" and "空" robots were introduced, capable of playing table tennis, marking a significant milestone in humanoid robotics with their rapid response capabilities [26]. - The "领航者1号" was launched in March 2024, followed by the upgraded "领航者2号" in August 2024, showcasing advanced capabilities such as 5kg load capacity and 0.1mm precision [27]. Group 3: Research Focus and Industry Impact - 熊蓉's research emphasizes the need for robots to possess both advanced technology and practical applications, particularly in logistics and manufacturing, addressing industry pain points such as high labor costs and inefficiencies [16][19]. - The "领航者2号" demonstrated its capabilities in a competition, achieving a commercial scene record by accurately retrieving and placing items on shelves [18]. Group 4: Future Directions - The team is focused on developing robots that can understand and interact with humans, aiming for a balance between flexibility and precision in industrial applications [20][23]. - 熊蓉's approach is to prioritize the essential question of what society needs from robots, ensuring that their developments are grounded in real-world applications rather than mere technological showcases [24].