A Powerful Transformer
From AI-powered chatbots capable of deep reasoning to humanoid robots equipped with intelligent “brains” for complex services, technological advancements continue to astonish us at an unprecedented pace. The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries, enhancing productivity, and offering new possibilities for an intelligent life.
Noting that China attaches great importance to the development of the digital economy, Chinese President Xi Jinping has said the country continuously promotes the deep integration of digital technology and the real economy, coordinates advances in both the digital industry and the digital transformation of traditional industries, and accelerates the building of the country’s cyberspace strength and a digital China.
An increasing number of Chinese companies have gained global recognition for their groundbreaking achievements in AI-driven innovation, following the introduction of the AI Plus initiative.
The initiative was first introduced in the 2024 Report on the Work of the Government, and subsequently reaffirmed at the 2024 Central Economic Work Conference and this year’s government work report as a key tool for fostering new quality productive forces.
This initiative aims to promote in-depth integration of AI and real economy by deepening the research and application of AI technology and injecting new impetus into China’s high-tech industry and economic development.
Engine for growth and transformation
At Beijing World of Robots, located in the robotics industrial park in Beijing’s Yizhuang, the vision of an intelligent future is coming to reality with all kinds of robots. With advanced AI capabilities, they are increasingly transitioning from industrial application to domestic environments, equipped with human-like appearances and dexterous body and hand movements. These robots can interact seamlessly with AI-generated voices, bringing intelligent assistance to various aspects of everyday life.
Embodied AI, which integrates AI with physical entities such as robots, is emerging as a game-changing technology with limitless potential. Several Chinese companies are already making significant strides in this area. For instance, Unitree Robotics, known for its dancing robots showcased at CCTV’s Spring Festival Gala, exemplifies the cutting-edge applications of embodied AI.
In industrial and agricultural settings, embodied AI can dramatically enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enable precise management. For homes and health care sectors, it offers personalised and intelligent solutions, such as AI-powered smart home systems that have already been widely adopted. Additionally, autonomous driving technologies, though still under refinement and testing, represent another promising avenue for embodied AI.
One groundbreaking example of AI-driven robotics is the Galbot humanoid robot, showcased at Beijing World of Robots in an unmanned pharmacy scenario. This innovative solution, jointly launched by Meituan Medicine and Galbot, represents the world’s first humanoid robot-powered smart pharmacy system. It made its debut at the China International Fair for Trade in Services in September 2024.
Designed for 24/7 autonomous operation, a Galbot robot can restock and retrieve items efficiently. It autonomously plans its route, navigates to the required item, and uses advanced AI-powered vision and grasping technology to complete the transaction. This cutting-edge technology exemplifies how AI is revolutionising automated retail and health care services.
Intelligent life
With a powerful AI “brain” integrated into our smartphones, home appliances, and cars, these devices have evolved into reliable assistants, ready to respond to commands around the clock.
Zhou Yunjie, chairman of the board and CEO of Haier Group, stated that the smart home sector is undergoing a transformative shift from single-device intelligence to integrated smart ecosystem, with large AI models being the key driving force behind this change.
In 2023, Haier launched HomeGPT, China’s first large AI model for the smart home sector. With the ability to comprehensively understand users’ personalised needs, it enables seamless interconnectivity across all smart appliances, automatically optimising their operation based on daily habits.
AI-powered smart home models are also expected to catalyse the rise of new consumer markets, such as home service robots, unlocking a trillion-yuan growth opportunity across the entire industrial chain.
Meanwhile, the automotive industry is also experiencing a rapid AI-driven transformation. By 2024, Level 2 (L2) advanced driver-assistance systems had become standard in newly released vehicles, while Level 3 (L3) conditional autonomous driving entered the pilot phase. Nine automakers are now participating in China’s L3 autonomous driving road test programme, with cities like Beijing and Wuhan introducing regulatory frameworks to support L3 and higher levels of automation.
Autonomous driving is categorised into levels 0 to 5 by the Society of Automotive Engineers to define the extent to which a vehicle can perform driving tasks. Level 5 represents the highest level - vehicles can operate without any human oversight.
Autonomous mobility is also accelerating at scale. Baidu’s Apollo Go robotaxi service has expanded to 11 cities across China, completing over 8 million rides nationwide. This milestone marks a significant step towards the mainstream adoption of autonomous transportation, paving the way for a smarter, more efficient future of mobility.
China’s rapidly aging population presents both challenges and opportunities for the elderly care industry. AI-powered elderly care robots are emerging as a transformative force. It is expected that these robots can deliver high-quality care and inject momentum into the growing silver economy.
Smart elderly care robots integrate AI, the Internet of Thing, bio-sensors, and flexible materials to provide intelligent assistance while also driving advancements in chips, sensors, and servo motors. Such innovation plays an important role in accelerating the development of new quality productive forces in China.
As China and Africa deepen their technological and economic ties, AI will serve as a powerful enabler, unlocking new opportunities and fostering inclusive development in the digital age.
