China opens first humanoid robot training base in Shanghai

On January 21, China's first humanoid robot training base began operations in Shanghai, marking a significant milestone in the country’s advancement in artificial intelligence and robotics.

The facility, developed by the National and Local Co-built Humanoid Robotics Innovation Center, will train robots from various industries to perform diverse tasks, generating valuable data to enhance their intelligence, Caliber.Az reports, citing Chinese media.

The training hub, initially designed to accommodate 100 robots, will focus on over 10 application scenarios. This initiative aims to position Shanghai as a global hub for humanoid robot innovation. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Jiang Lei, chief scientist of the innovation centre, described the base as a “factory for producing data,” which will later support companies developing embodied AI models.

Embodied AI integrates multiple technologies, enabling physical entities like robots and smart cars to learn, perceive, and interact with their environment. Jiang noted the importance of heterogeneous data in avoiding "AI illusions," emphasizing the base’s role in fostering collaboration among leading robotics companies.

Over 10 firms and research institutions, including Fourier Intelligence and Agibot Innovation Technology, signed agreements to partner with the centre on robot training, data collection, and operational optimization of the base. The centre, established in May 2024, has already launched its first open-source humanoid robot, "Healthy Loong," and built a community for humanoid robot developers.

Industry projections suggest a bright future for humanoid robotics, with the global market expected to exceed $20 billion by 2030, of which China will account for 25%, according to the Gaogong Industry Institute. This development signals a golden era for robotics and AI innovation in the country.

By Khagan Isayev