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Embodied AI: The Future of Humanoid Robots and Beyond
Embodied AI is a cutting-edge field that integrates artificial intelligence into physical bodies such as robots, enabling them to perceive, learn, and dynamically interact with their environment in a manner similar to humans. By relying on computation and logical reasoning, embodied AI can continuously learn, adapt, and complete tasks through perception, action, and environmental feedback. This enhances the autonomy and practical application of AI in the real world.
While humanoid robots are a prominent example of embodied AI, other hardware with interactive capabilities, such as autonomous driving vehicles and wearable devices, can also serve as “bodies” for embodied AI. Many cities in China are now funding projects that advance embodied intelligence systems, allowing AI to physically interact with the world.
The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area: A Hub for Humanoid Robot Development
The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, known for its outstanding research and development capabilities and solid manufacturing foundation, serves as a fertile ground for the development of the humanoid robot sector. In recent years, various vertical areas within the humanoid robot sector, ranging from basic components to system integration, have been flourishing in the Greater Bay Area. Numerous technology companies and research institutions have emerged here, infusing greater intelligence and dexterity into humanoid robot products. These products are gradually being deployed in fields such as industrial operation, medical care, education, and research.
Spotlight on Young Innovators: Yang Jun and His Team
Yang Jun, born in 2003, is an engineer on the technical support team at Hangzhou-based robotics firm DEEP Robotics. As an enthusiast of anime and mech models, he majored in computer science and technology in college and has now embarked on his dream career. DEEP Robotics is a high-tech enterprise at the state level, specializing in the innovation and application of “embodied AI technology.”
Most members of Yang’s team are between 20 to 30 years old. Their tasks include product demonstrations, on-site installation and debugging, and post-installation maintenance for clients. As their city draws steadily increased interest in the field of sci-tech innovation, Yang and his colleagues receive nearly 40 groups of clients and investors daily. The city’s super-friendly atmosphere for innovations has attracted Yang to pursue his career here. “I enjoy the buzz atmosphere for relentless exploration at the forefront of the industry,” said Yang.
Wuhan’s “Laborer” Series Humanoid Robot
Recently, the R&D team of Wuhan Glory Road Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. has been fine-tuning the strength and dynamic balance of a humanoid robot from the “Laborer” series at their robotics laboratory. Standing 1.8 meters tall and weighing 95 kilograms, this robot utilizes a self-developed motion control algorithm, enabling it to carry loads of 40 to 60 kilograms and walk with straight legs.
Tangshan’s Robot Industrial Clusters
Tangshan has been working in recent years to promote the continuous growth of robot industrial clusters. Efforts have been made to increase investment in science and technology, push forward innovative research and development, and expand robot application scenarios. The city is now home to 222 robot-related enterprises and 21 robot research and development institutions at or above the provincial level. The special robots manufactured here, such as welding robots, special inspection robots, and emergency rescue robots, sell well both domestically and overseas.
Anhui’s AI Industry Development
China Speech Valley in Hefei City, the Vision Valley of China in Wuhu City, and China Sensor Valley in Bengbu City are three key demonstration zones for the artificial intelligence (AI) industry in Anhui Province. In recent years, Anhui has been vigorously developing its AI industry with a focus on talent cultivation and capital input. Various new products and applications like industrial AI quality detection systems, MEMS wafers, and AI large models have been developed.
Innovative Exoskeleton Robot at Mount Tai
During this year’s Spring Festival, Mount Tai in east China’s Shandong Province, one of the most iconic mountains in the country, introduced an innovative exoskeleton robot. The wearable device, designed to assist with climbing, has garnered attention for its ability to make the arduous ascent at Mount Tai more accessible and enjoyable, especially for the elderly and mobility-impaired visitors.
Humanoid Robots in Wuhan
Ten humanoid robots of the “Chucai” series were displayed at a conference in Wuhan, central China’s Hubei Province, showcasing a variety of abilities such as weight-bearing and other tasks.
AI Applications in Shenzhen’s Parks
In various parks across Shenzhen, advanced artificial intelligence applications are ubiquitous, making technologies a part of daily life for the public. For instance, a smart auto-inspection drone base was established in a park in Shenzhen, and cleaning robots are commonly seen in places like Lianhuashan Park.
Robots in Beijing
At the Beijing World of Robots, a robot from Galbot operates in an unattended scenario, and visitors can even play gobang with a robot, highlighting the interactive capabilities of modern robotics.
Conclusion
Embodied AI represents a significant leap forward in the field of artificial intelligence, bringing us closer to a future where robots and AI systems can seamlessly interact with the physical world. From humanoid robots in the Greater Bay Area to exoskeleton robots at Mount Tai, the advancements in embodied AI are making a tangible impact on various aspects of daily life and industry. As cities across China continue to invest in and develop embodied AI technologies, the potential for innovation and practical application seems boundless.
This article was originally published on Xinhua on March 18, 2025.
(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Images
A staff member conducts tests on a Walker X humanoid robot at a sci-tech company in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong Province, June 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian)
A TORA-ONE humanoid robot demonstrates its gripping ability at a sci-tech company in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong Province, June 28, 2024. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian)
Yang Jun tests a quadruped robot in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Feb. 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang)
Yang Jun (2nd L) and his colleagues demonstrate a quadruped robot for clients at DEEP Robotics in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Feb. 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang)
Members of the R&D team of Wuhan Glory Road Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd., debug the humanoid robot at the company in Wuhan, central China’s Hubei Province, Feb. 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)
He Qi (2nd L), a member of the R&D team of Wuhan Glory Road Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd., debugs the humanoid robot at the company in Wuhan, central China’s Hubei Province, Feb. 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)
A staff member displays a robot product at a robot display and experience center in Tangshan, north China’s Hebei Province, Feb. 18, 2025. (Xinhua/Mu Yu)
A staff member displays a welding robot product at a robot display and experience center in Tangshan, north China’s Hebei Province, Feb. 18, 2025. (Xinhua/Mu Yu)
A staff member of Reacool Medical Technology Co., Ltd. demonstrates a digital surgery aided platform at a simulated operating room in the Vision Valley of China in Wuhu City, east China’s Anhui Province, Sept. 20, 2024. (Photo by Xiao Benxiang/Xinhua)
A staff member of the National Intelligent Voice Innovation Center demonstrates an acoustics imager to detect equipment breakdown at the China Speech Valley in Hefei City, east China’s Anhui Province, Sept. 20, 2024. (Xinhua/Huang Bohan)
This photo taken in January 2025 shows a staff member testing an exoskeleton robot at Mount Tai in east China’s Shandong Province. (Xinhua)
This image shows an exoskeleton robot designed to assist with climbing. (Xinhua)
A humanoid robot is on display in Wuhan, central China’s Hubei Province, Feb. 5, 2025. Ten humanoid robots of the “Chucai” series were displayed on a conference in Wuhan, showcasing a variety of abilities. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)
A humanoid robot displays its weight-bearing ability in Wuhan, central China’s Hubei Province, Feb. 5, 2025. Ten humanoid robots of the “Chucai” series were displayed on a conference in Wuhan, showcasing a variety of abilities. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)
This drone photo taken on Dec. 27, 2024 shows a smart auto-inspection drone base at a park in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong Province. In various parks across Shenzhen, advanced artificial intelligence applications are ubiquitous, making technologies a part of daily life for the public. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)
A cleaning robot is pictured at Lianhuashan Park in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong Province, Nov. 11, 2024. In various parks across Shenzhen, advanced artificial intelligence applications are ubiquitous, making technologies a part of daily life for the public. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)
A robot from Galbot operates in an unattended scenario at the Beijing World of Robots in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
A visitor plays gobang with a robot at the Beijing World of Robots in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of embodied AI in China, highlighting the significant strides made in various cities and regions. The integration of AI into physical bodies such as robots is not only a technological marvel but also a testament to the country’s commitment to innovation and practical application of AI in real-world scenarios.
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