Chinese humanoid robot center to debut general embodied intelligence platform

A Chinese state-backed humanoid robot institute will soon unveil a general embodied intelligence platform, as the world’s second-largest economy listed the cutting-edge technology as a strategic pillar.

The platform called “Gewu” will be launched by the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, which was established in 2023 in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area and was later upgraded to a state-backed platform, according to Securities Times, a state-owned financial newspaper in China.

Gewu aims to provide a globally-leading training ecosystem for robots and intelligent agents.

The innovation center will also hold a launch ceremony for the platform.

In addition, an open fund by the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center will be established to focus on four major areas -- platform technology, embodied intelligence, data sets, and training grounds as well as support some excellent projects that can be implemented, state media reported.

Embodied artificial intelligence is among the cutting-edge technologies mentioned in Premier Li Qiang's work report earlier this month. Investment in the sector has soared after Unitree Robotics' robots danced at a Lunar New Year gala organized by state broadcaster China Media Group at the end of January. 

Tech giants including Ant Group are planning to join the race.

Also, China's state economic planner said it plans to roll out a venture capital fund worth 1 trillion yuan (HK$1.08 trillion) to support startups in burgeoning industries that include embodied AI.

STAFF REPORTER