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Alipay creator Ant Group has officially unveiled its humanoid robot, R1, signaling its entry into the burgeoning field of AI-powered robotics. Showcased at recent tech events, R1 is designed with potential applications spanning healthcare – as a companion or caregiver – and tourism, where it could serve as a robotic tour guide. While a definitive launch date and pricing remain undisclosed, Ant Group is reportedly conducting real-world testing of R1 in environments like community centers and restaurants. With this move, Ant Group joins companies like Tesla, led by Elon Musk, in actively pursuing the development of advanced humanoid robots, highlighting the increasing convergence of artificial intelligence and robotics technology.