On December 27, 2024, Zhang Ruirui introduced seven humanoid robots in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, as part of preparations for the upcoming World Games 2025. These robots are designed to enhance the experience at the event, showcasing the city's commitment to technological advancement in robotics. The Chengdu Robotics Innovation Center (CHRIC) has been at the forefront of this initiative, achieving over 30 technological milestones since 2024, particularly in advanced 'brain' technology for robots [32024864].
The humanoid robot market in China has seen significant growth, valued at 2.76 billion yuan in 2023, with projections indicating it could reach 75 billion yuan by 2029. In response to this burgeoning market, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has established guidelines aimed at fostering innovation in humanoid robotics by 2025 [32024864].
Chengdu is not stopping at the introduction of these robots; plans are in place to launch 100 new robot models and achieve an industrial scale exceeding 60 billion yuan by 2026. Among the notable innovations is the Konka-1, a lightweight humanoid robot unveiled on October 28, 2024, weighing just 25 kg and boasting a load-to-weight ratio of 0.22, which enhances its operational capabilities [32024864].
CHRIC is also looking to collaborate with local enterprises and large model firms to further bolster the humanoid robotics sector, ensuring that Chengdu remains a leader in this rapidly evolving field [32024864].