Beijing E-Town, a burgeoning tech hub in China’s capital, is making headlines with its ambitious plans to become the epicentre of the embodied intelligent robot industry. The strategy, revealed at the World Robot Conference 2024, aims to transform the area into a leading demonstration city for this cutting-edge technology.
By the end of 2026, Beijing E-Town is targeting a sweeping expansion in interactive service applications. The plan includes attracting over 100 innovative firms, employing more than 1,000 high-end talents, and ramping up production to 10,000 embodied intelligent robots annually. The long-term vision extends to 2030, aiming to establish a comprehensive ecosystem for embodied intelligent robots that encompasses every stage from development to application.
Kong Lei, Deputy Secretary of the Party Working Committee and Director of the Administrative Committee of Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (BDA), outlined the ambitious goals during a keynote address at the World Robot Conference. Kong highlighted the commitment to make Beijing a central hub for this technology, noting the strategic importance of having a robust innovation ecosystem that integrates full-chain layout, full-stack autonomy, and comprehensive empowerment.
The initiative will unfold in two major phases. The first focuses on advancing core technologies, particularly the “brain,” “cerebellum,” and “limbs” of embodied intelligent robots. This involves developing sophisticated AI models for perception, decision-making, and control, as well as enhancing motion control algorithms and high-precision components. By pushing the envelope in these areas, Beijing E-Town aims to secure a leading position in global robotics technology.
In addition to technological advancements, Beijing E-Town is set to push forward with core product development. The city plans to focus on whole machines, core components, and software systems, establishing a robust product matrix that integrates hardware and software. Notable achievements already include the launch of the general-purpose humanoid robot platform “Tiangong,” which marked a milestone with its full-sized humanoid robot.
The city will also emphasise practical application scenarios, using its strong manufacturing base to implement “robotics+” solutions across various sectors. Examples include the deployment of over 700 robots at the Xiaomi automobile factory and the introduction of the first certified AI catering robot. The focus will be on diverse applications ranging from manufacturing to elderly care and emergency response, ensuring that the technology addresses real-world needs effectively.
Beijing E-Town’s “Five Priorities” plan will drive these advancements. Key areas of focus include fostering collaboration among enterprises, accelerating the development of innovative technologies, and creating an environment that attracts talent and investment. The plan also involves the creation of an international competitive “brain” for robots, a leading motion control “cerebellum,” and a comprehensive approach to “machine limbs” technology.
The city’s strategy includes building a permanent robot exhibition hall, an engineering test field, and a batch of innovative application scenarios. These initiatives aim to increase the deployment of embodied intelligent robots in urban and industrial settings and encourage new applications and solutions.
Beijing E-Town’s vision extends to nurturing leading enterprises in the robotics industry and creating a supportive ecosystem. The goal is to cultivate innovative SMEs and foster a collaborative environment that integrates large, medium, and small enterprises. The city plans to develop a vast, open-source dataset and a comprehensive innovation platform that supports the entire industry chain.
The ongoing development aligns with Beijing E-Town’s broader goals of establishing itself as a national hub for high-end industries, including information technology, new energy vehicles, biotechnology, and robotics. This framework, known as “44637,” guides the area’s growth across various sectors, focusing on integration, innovation, and support systems.
As Beijing E-Town progresses with its ambitious plans, it is positioning itself to play a pivotal role in the global robotics industry. With a commitment to technological innovation, practical applications, and a robust support system for enterprises and talent, the city is set to make significant strides in the field of embodied intelligent robots.
