Michigan Data Center to Deploy Humanoid Robots from Chinese Manufacturer

Hyperscale Data, which owns a data center in Dowagiac, Michigan, plans to staff the facility with 30 humanoid robots from the Chinese manufacturer AgiBot later this year. The company has begun production of the robots as part of a broader initiative to deploy a total of 142 humanoid robots at the facility to support the development of artificial intelligence applications and advanced robotics systems. The purchase of the robots amounts to $13.4 million. Hyperscale Data aims to establish a Robotics Research, Testing and Innovation Center at the Dowagiac campus, where the robots will work alongside data center employees. Local residents have raised concerns about noise from the data center, leading to a class action lawsuit claiming that over 1,300 homes are affected by noise levels reaching around 60 decibels. Some residents report significant disruptions to their daily lives due to the noise. Lawmakers have expressed concerns regarding national security risks associated with robotics companies linked to the Chinese Communist Party, particularly in light of competition from other firms like Unitree. U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer has called for a ban on government agencies using technologies from foreign entities of concern, citing potential threats to privacy and security.