MIIT Clarifies Next Key Priorities for Humanoid Robots: Tackling Large Models and Joint Technologies

Gasgoo Munich - At a State Council press briefing on January 21, Zhang Yunming, vice minister of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), addressed the current state of China's humanoid robot sector and outlined the path ahead.

Driven by artificial intelligence, the industry is evolving faster than anticipated. 2025 marks the first year of mass production for humanoid robots, with the number of domestic manufacturers surpassing 140 and cumulative product launches exceeding 330.

Significant progress has been made in complete machine development, core components, and real-world deployment. Zhang noted that robots can now "stand firm, walk steadily, and run fast," accelerating their penetration into high-value sectors like home services and industrial manufacturing. To strengthen the technological foundation, innovation centers for embodied intelligence and humanoid robotics have been established in Beijing and Shanghai. These hubs are driving the development of open-source reference platforms like the "Qinglong" and "Tiangong" robots, as well as the "Kaiwu" operating system, providing critical support for breakthroughs in underlying software and hardware.

The construction of an industrial ecosystem is moving in parallel. MIIT has established a standardization technical committee for humanoid robots and embodied intelligence, drawing participation from over 70 leading enterprises and research institutes. A national pilot base for AI applications is also under construction, aiming to create an integrated innovation chain spanning "R&D, design, testing, manufacturing, and application."

Regarding future development priorities, Zhang emphasized three main pillars: technological breakthroughs, safety governance, and ecosystem construction. MIIT intends to elevate key technologies—such as large models, integrated joints, and computing chips—through mechanisms like open challenges and major national science and technology projects.

Simultaneously, the ministry will strengthen testing for product quality, network security, and data safety, while conducting research and management of technology ethics.

On the ecosystem front, support for the humanoid robotics sector will be ramped up through the National Artificial Intelligence Industry Investment Fund. Plans include building open-source communities, releasing guidelines for comprehensive standardization systems, and promoting the global sharing of innovation achievements.