Riding AI uptrend, humanoid robotics taking a leap in Beijing

Beijing is fast emerging as a global hub for humanoid robotics, driven by tech breakthroughs, surging industry growth and upcoming world-class events that highlight China's push in artificial intelligence and smart manufacturing.

In the booming humanoid robots sector, Beijing-based Noetix Robotics' N2 model — runner-up at the world's first humanoid robot half-marathon held in the capital in April — rose to fame with its impressive debut.

Equipped with a self-developed gait algorithm, this 1.2-meter-tall humanoid robot can maintain a margin of error within 3 centimeters of its center of gravity, even while sprinting at speeds of up to 10 kilometers per hour, the company said.

"Within a month of the race, we received orders for more than 1,000 units. To date, the total number of orders has exceeded 2,500, allowing us to reach this year's sales target ahead of schedule," said Jiang Zheyuan, founder of Noetix Robotics.

Noetix is just one of the many rising Beijing-based players in this fast-evolving field.

Booster Robotics' T1 features strong structural integrity and impact resistance in the industry, capable of bouncing back upright within a second of falling.

Meanwhile, Robotera's humanoid models have reached running speeds of over 14 km/h and have mastered complex moves such as stair-climbing, heavy lifting, squatting, jumping and weight training.

According to Beijing's bureau of economy and information technology, the city's robotics industry generated over 30 billion yuan ($4.17 billion) in revenue last year, up 50 percent year-on-year. The nation's capital is now home to more than 400 key robotics enterprises, including nearly 30 humanoid robot manufacturers, ranking first nationwide.

By 2027, the city aims to fully localize the upstream and downstream industrial chain, make over 100 key technological breakthroughs, and foster an industry cluster worth about 100 billion yuan, according to a recently released action plan for embodied intelligence innovation and industry development (2025-27).

In an effort to achieve the goal, beyond hardware, Beijing's tech innovators are also advancing the "brains" of humanoids.

In March, the Beijing Innovation Center of Humanoid Robotics unveiled Huisi Kaiwu, the world's first universal embodied intelligence platform designed to support multibody and multi-scenario applications in humanoids.

"Driven by AI models, the platform integrates a 'big brain' for task planning and a 'small brain' for data-driven, end-to-end skill execution, enabling seamless interaction between robots and the physical world," said Li Chunzhi, deputy general manager of the center.

Li added that the platform can monitor operational status in real-time, using adaptive error correction and dynamic path planning to ensure high efficiency and accuracy in task execution.

Powered by this platform, the center's Tien Kung humanoid demonstrated impressive dual-arm coordination in desktop-cleaning tests, gracefully organizing tableware and autonomously correcting and replanning its actions even while being repeatedly interrupted or displaced by human interference.

Looking ahead, Beijing is set to host two major global robotics events. The 2025 World Robot Conference will be held between Aug 8-12, where around 200 robotics companies are expected to showcase their latest innovations. Following that, the inaugural World Humanoid Robot Games, the world's first comprehensive sports event featuring humanoids, will take place from Aug 15-17.

Adding to the excitement, the world's first 4S store for humanoids will also begin trial operations during this year's WRC.

"Most humanoid robots are sold online, making it difficult for users to directly experience the physical product and its performance," said Wang Yifan, deputy general manager of Beijing E-Town Robot Technology Industry Development Co Ltd, the store's operator.

Wang added that the 4S store will offer hands-on display areas for every model, serving as a one-stop platform to connect companies and users more closely.

To date, over 100 robotics firms, 30 specializing in humanoids, have shown interest in joining the store, according to the operator.

Contact the writers at lijiaying@chinadaily.com.cn