Human-like robots say 'hi' to President Xi

President Xi Jinping visits the Institute of Advanced Technology in University of Science and Technology of China in Hefei, east China's Anhui province, on April 26, 2016, where he was introduced to different innovative technologies.[Photo/Xinhua]

President Xi Jinping Tuesday visited the Institute of Advanced Technology in University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) in Heifei, Anhui province, and was greeted by two human-like robots developed by the institute.

The two life-like robots named "Xiao Man" and "Jia Jia" interacted with Xi when he approached them during the inspection.

"Hello Mr. President. I am Xiao Man. We have been looking forward to your visit," Xiao Man said.

"I'm very happy to see you, dear President, I wish you happiness every day," said Jia Jia, who has been dubbed "robot goddess" for her good-looks.

Xi praised technicians' work on innovation, and said the country must rely on innovation to boost high-end manufacturing as China has now entered the "new normal".

He stressed that self-led innovation, as the leading concept among the five development concepts, must be promoted under the country's fundamental principal of opening-up policy.

Xi also visited the library of the university and encouraged the students to study hard and devote themselves to the country.