New Training Ground for Embodied AI Robots Opens in Sichuan Province

In a significant move for the robotics sector, a dedicated training ground for embodied artificial intelligence robots has recently been inaugurated in Mianyang, located in Southwest China's Sichuan province. Officially opened on July 18, this initiative is part of the regional strategy to foster a competitive embodied AI robotics hub in Western China, as communicated by an official from the Sichuan provincial science and technology department.

The rise of technologies such as AI and large language models is propelling China's robotics industry towards a shift from laboratory experimentation to large-scale production and practical applications. This evolution is expected to culminate in a substantial market growth, with predictions from the Chinese Institute of Electronics suggesting that the humanoid robot market could reach around 870 billion yuan (approximately $121.74 billion) by 2030.

This training ground is designed to tackle significant challenges in the global development of embodied AI, such as the lack of real-world training scenarios, the shortage of high-quality data, and the need for testing in extreme environments. An official described this facility as functioning like a "school" for robots, which will counter these obstacles through the creation of simulated environments that enhance interaction and data collection. This approach will expedite the learning processes, improve algorithms, and enhance the capabilities of robots, which is vital for applications in areas like manufacturing, healthcare, urban management, and emergency services.

The operational structure of the training ground includes an innovation center dedicated to advancing core technologies, conducting research and development on essential components and algorithms, and facilitating pilot manufacturing. It will be bolstered by two scenario training bases designed to gather operational data in various environments, enabling the deployment of robots in diverse scenarios. These applications will focus on advanced manufacturing, emergency response, social services, tourism, and urban governance.

To support the development of this training ground, the provincial government intends to allocate a special fund aimed at completing the necessary infrastructure and operational framework, with the goal of attracting over seven robotics enterprises by the end of 2025. By 2027, the ambition is to collaborate with more than 30 enterprises, facilitate the implementation of over 30 new technologies, and introduce more than 10 new robotic products, positioning the training ground as a leading platform at the national level.