The fifth edition of the China Robot Summit and Intelligent Economy Talent Summit successfully concluded in Yuyao, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, from May 9 to 11, 2022. Guided by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the Ministry of Science and Technology (State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs), and hosted by the People’s Government of Zhejiang Province, the summit cemented its status as the earliest and most influential industry technical event in China’s robot sector. Under the theme “Unifying Knowledge and Action: Further Integrating AI and Robotics,” the summit was distinguished by its heightened internationalization, high-end focus, professional depth, and practical results.
The opening ceremony was graced by distinguished leaders including Zheng Shanjie, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee and Secretary of the CPC Ningbo Municipal Committee; Gao Xingfu, Vice Governor of Zhejiang Province; Qiu Dongyao, Mayor of Ningbo; and Cao Jianlin, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference for Education, Science, Culture, Health and Sports, alongside leaders from relevant ministries.
A key highlight was the launch ceremony for the “Academician Science and Technology Industrialization (Yuyao) Base.” The base, co-unveiled by Academician Chen Yazhu of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Xi Ming, Secretary of the CPC Yuyao Municipal Committee, focuses on research and development in new materials and intelligent manufacturing, aiming to create a demonstration zone for transforming academicians’ scientific research achievements into industrial applications. Furthermore, a collective signing ceremony for major projects saw 24 agreements inked, representing a total investment of 43.25 billion yuan, signaling robust confidence in the region’s industrial future.
The summit attracted over 3,000 elites from academia and industry across 18 countries and regions, creating a vibrant platform for exchanging cutting-edge ideas and fostering industrial partnerships. It successfully captured the attention of both the industry and the wider public with its high academic standards, prestigious attendees, and forums that directly addressed industry hotspots.
I. A Gathering of Distinguished Experts and Leaders
The summit convened a stellar lineup of global thought leaders. Attendees included Wang Zeshan, winner of China’s Top Science and Technology Award and academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering; numerous other Chinese engineering and science academicians such as Tan Jianrong, Fang Daining, Yang Huayong, Ding Wenjiang, Chen Yazhu, Li Lanjuan, Ding Han, and Zhang Ze; international academicians like Toshio Fukuda (foreign academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences), Zhang Dan (Canadian Academy of Engineering), Liu Ke (foreign academician of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering), and Jianwei Zhang (German Academy of Sciences); along with leading experts including Gan Zhongxue (National “Thousand Talents Plan” expert), Qu Xianming (a principal author of “Made in China 2025”), Liu Jinchang (researcher at the National High-Tech R&D Center), Li Zexiang (professor at HKUST), Zhao Jie (professor at Harbin Institute of Technology), Wang Tianmiao (professor at Beihang University), Zhu Shiqiang (Deputy Secretary of the CPC Committee of Zhejiang University), Sun Fuchun (professor at Tsinghua University), and Cai Zixing (professor at Central South University). This distinguished gathering engaged in profound discussions on the technological integration and industrial application of robotics and artificial intelligence, combining insights from academic research and market realities.
II. Insightful and Visionary Keynote Speeches
On May 10, a series of keynote reports delivered at the Siming Lake International Conference Center provided deep insights into the future of the industry.
Zhu Sondi, Professor-level Senior Engineer and member of the National Manufacturing Strategy Advisory Committee, delivered a report titled “Intelligent Manufacturing and the Development of China’s Industrial Robot Industry.” He argued that the synergy between human wisdom and AI technology is crucial for advancing intelligent manufacturing, which is an evolutionary process. This process aims to gradually endow manufacturing systems with capabilities of self-perception, self-learning, self-decision-making, and self-adaptation, progressing through digital and networked manufacturing stages to ultimately achieve intelligent manufacturing. To accelerate this development in China, Professor Zhu proposed several strategic paths: integrating emerging technologies like big data and blockchain; advancing through multi-level demonstrations; being market-driven; establishing standard frameworks; developing the intelligent equipment industry; and strengthening the China robot industry through breakthroughs in specific applications, markets, technology (like human-robot collaboration), services (like cloud platforms), R&D in next-gen AI, business model innovation, and forming collaborative industrial clusters rather than isolated competition.
Professor Li Zexiang, often referred to as the “Southern Xiang” in the field, presented on “Building an Ecosystem for High-End Equipment and Intelligent Manufacturing.” He emphasized that constructing a high-end intelligent manufacturing ecosystem requires collaboration among government, industry, and capital. The ecosystem encompasses talent, bases, chips, components, equipment, and end products, with talent cultivation being the most critical link. Professor Li pointed out that after decades of scaling up, China’s next-decade challenge is quality improvement. He shared his innovative approaches to talent development through specialized robotics institutes and competitions, fostering students’ hands-on abilities, system design skills, and entrepreneurial spirit, supported by a comprehensive ecosystem of mentorship, technical support, and resources.
Professor Jianwei Zhang’s report, “AI for Enhancing Robot System Performance,” proposed that AI is poised to revolutionize the robot industry. By enhancing machine learning, operational capabilities, and enabling human-robot collaboration, AI will unlock new applications in manufacturing. He advocated for the integration of IT, communication technology, and AI with true cyber-physical robotic systems to position China robot technology as a global frontrunner.
Professor Sun Fuchun explored “Reflections on Robot Development in the AI Era,” suggesting that robots represent the third paradigm of AI development: biologically-inspired intelligence. He posited that AI needs a physical载体, and robots are its perfect partner. The deep integration of AI and robotics will profoundly transform lifestyles. Key technologies for robots in this era include advanced perception (especially vision and touch) and learning capabilities centered on “memory + learning.”
Other notable keynotes included:
– Mao Guanglie, Director of the Zhejiang Intelligent Manufacturing Expert Committee, introduced the “Xinchang Model” for widespread promotion of intelligent manufacturing in the bearing industry.
– Academician Deng Zongquan discussed “Research and Prospects of Planetary Exploration Robots,” highlighting lunar and Mars rovers and pointing to environmental adaptability and intelligent control as future research directions.
– Academician Tan Jianrong shared insights on “Key Technologies and Trends for Intelligent Equipment and Robots.”
– Professor Zhu Shiqiang explored “Biologically Inspired AI and Future Robots,” discussing the evolution of AI and the direction of intelligent embodied robots.
– Professor Toshio Fukuda presented on “Micro bio-cell robotic manipulation,” detailing applications and future trends of micro/nano robots.
– Professor Zhang Dan elaborated on “Innovative Design of High-Performance Parallel Robots” and their diverse applications.
– Expert Qu Xianming addressed “Strategies for Developing Key Robot Components,” analyzing bottlenecks and suggesting cultivating “unicorn” enterprises to overcome dependencies.
– Yu Haibin, Director of the Shenyang Institute of Automation, spoke on the “Robot Internet,” outlining the necessity, technical challenges, and issues of networking robots in an interconnected era.
III. Diverse and Specialized Forums
The summit featured a rich array of thematic forums aligned with core industry trends, fostering targeted discussions. These included:
– The New Generation Intelligent Manufacturing High-Level Forum
– The Spark Plan ROS (Robot Operating System) Forum
– The AI and Robotics Forum
– The Industrial Robot Industry Forum
– The Underwater Robot Forum
– The Special Robot Key Technologies Forum
These sessions tackled the most pressing issues in intelligent manufacturing, human-robot fusion, and industry-specific applications, providing direction for the sector’s development.
IV. A Dynamic Cross-Border Dialogue
A standout feature was the high-level cross-border dialogue on the theme “AI+RT: The New Era of Intelligent Machines.” This session, featuring luminaries like Professor Wang Tianmiao, Professor Toshio Fukuda, Qian Dongqi (Chairman of Ecovacs Robotics), Fu Sheng (Chairman and CEO of Cheetah Mobile), and Yao Lijun (National “Thousand Talents Plan” expert and Chairman of Ningbo Jiangfeng Electronic Materials), offered a feast of intellectual exchange. The panel delved into the development prospects of industrial and service robots, alongside critical cross-industry integration issues, generating intense and insightful debates.
V. A Well-Attended Investment Forum
On May 11, the “AI and Robotics Angel Investment Summit” served as a crucial bridge connecting capital with technology and innovation. Focusing on “Frontier Technology Focus, Promoting Result Commercialization,” the forum brought together academia, industry, and investment leaders like Professor Wang Tianmiao, Professor Jianwei Zhang, Wang Shihai (Managing Director of SDIC Innovation), Liu Wei (CEO of Baidu Ventures), Li Jianwei (Managing Partner of Zhencheng Investment), and Liu Ying (Partner at SoftBank China) to discuss investment trends and entrepreneurial guidance in the China robot and AI space. Live project roadshows with direct expert feedback provided invaluable support for startups.
VI. A Distinctive Forum on “Military-Civil Integration + Intelligent Manufacturing”
This specially convened forum aimed to implement the national military-civil integration strategy by leveraging intelligent manufacturing. It provided a platform for technology display and resource sharing. A significant milestone was the upgraded launch of the “Ezist Cloud” (易智家) 2.0, an intelligent manufacturing public service and industrial internet sharing platform, accompanied by the inauguration of a dedicated military-civil integration channel. Ezist Cloud utilizes a sharing economy model to connect dispersed resources across the智能制造 value chain, supporting the digital, networked, and intelligent transformation of manufacturing.
VII. Talent Matchmaking for the Industry
Recognizing talent as a fundamental resource, the summit hosted an “Intelligent Manufacturing Talent Matchmaking” forum. It brought together 30 renowned robotics companies and system integrators, offering over 700 positions for智能制造 engineers. This practical platform facilitated direct connections between enterprises and high-caliber professionals, addressing the industry’s growing talent needs and enhancing the summit’s tangible outcomes.
VIII. Three Major Exhibition Zones for Direct Engagement
Continuing its successful format, the summit combined forums with extensive exhibitions. Nearly 80 leading domestic and international companies in robotics and AI showcased their technologies across three thematic zones: the International Conference Center Exhibition Zone, the Intelligent Manufacturing Exhibition Zone, and the Robot Theme Park Exhibition Zone. These exhibits displayed high-precision technologies, innovative products, and the latest R&D成果 on par with global standards, offering attendees a comprehensive view of the China robot industry’s capabilities.
IX. The Inaugural Robot Creativity Competition
As a key component, the first China University Intelligent Robot Creativity Competition, co-organized by the Chinese Association of Higher Education and related committees, saw its final round held in Yuyao. From 756 teams across 172 universities, 165 teams from 82 institutions advanced to the finals. The competition featured two categories: a创意类 themed “Intelligent Robots—For a Better Life,” focusing on service robots for daily life; and a竞技类 themed “Cube Robot—Challenging Limits,” aimed at creating high-speed魔方-solving robots. Teams from universities like Naval University of Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, and University of Science and Technology of China claimed top honors, showcasing the innovative potential of the next generation in the China robot field.
X. Emphasis on Practical Results
The summit demonstrated significant实效化 through practical matchmaking. Guided by the “Ezist Cloud” platform, it organized three supply-demand对接 sessions focusing on smart home appliances,智能化改造 solutions, and “robot +” traditional industry transformation. Over 230 enterprises participated, resulting in on-site contracts worth over 80 million yuan and generating demand for智能制造 projects worth billions, underscoring the summit’s role as a catalyst for real business and technological exchange.
XI. Conclusion
The year 2022 marked a pivotal fifth year for the China Robot Summit, coinciding with a national focus on strengthening next-generation AI R&D and advancing the manufacturing powerhouse initiative. The summit successfully aggregated top-tier industry resources. By pioneering the exploration of a “smart manufacturing sharing economy” model, it aims to lead the transformation, upgrading, and development of new industrial internet paradigms for China’s manufacturing sector. As the most authoritative and expansive communication platform within the China robot industry, the summit provides a vital platform for the efficient对接 of government, industry, academia, research, and application. It not only serves as a barometer for technological trends and industrial development but also acts as a powerful force driving intelligent manufacturing forward and ensuring the successful implementation and application of innovative projects. It is poised to inject continuous innovative momentum into the future of the China robot industry.