BYD, HKUST launch joint lab for research of embodied AI tech, intelligent manufacturing

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On July 7, 2025, BYD Auto Industry Company Limited and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology ("HKUST") signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement to jointly establish the "HKUST-BYD Joint Lab for Embodied AI", according to a post on BYD's WeChat account.

The new lab will focus on cutting-edge research in robotics and intelligent manufacturing, aiming to drive innovation and accelerate the industrial application of next-generation technologies.

Photo credit: BYD

Located on HKUST's campus, the joint lab will receive tens of millions of Hong Kong dollars in funding from BYD over the coming years. The collaboration will center on the development of embodied intelligence systems—AI systems capable of interacting with and understanding the physical world through robotics. Research will emphasize data-driven approaches, including new methods for collecting operational data in both simulated and real-world environments, with the goal of reducing data acquisition costs. These datasets will be used to train large-scale embodied AI models capable of performing diverse tasks autonomously in domestic and industrial settings.

In addition to robotics, the two parties will also deepen their collaboration in autonomous driving. By combining academic research with industry experience, the partnership aims to enhance the safety and reliability of advanced driver assistance and autonomous driving systems.

Commenting on the partnership, Wang Chuanfu, Chairman and President of BYD, stated: "In the early stages, we scaled rapidly with cost and efficiency advantages. But now, to lead the next phase of China's manufacturing evolution, we must pivot to innovation and high-quality development. This collaboration with HKUST reflects our commitment to advancing foundational technologies and cultivating top-tier talent. Together, we aim to elevate Chinese manufacturing along the global value chain and contribute to the country's high-quality growth."

BYD noted that embodied intelligence represents the next major leap in AI development. By integrating algorithms with robotics, future systems will gain the ability to actively perceive, interpret, and interact with their physical surroundings—laying the groundwork for transformative applications. Leveraging BYD's industrial expertise and HKUST's academic strengths in AI and robotics, the joint lab aspires to become a global hub for innovation in intelligent manufacturing and robotics.