In the rapidly evolving wave of artificial intelligence technology, embodied intelligence robots—those high-tech products possessing a “body” that can perceive and actively interact with the physical world—are accelerating their entry into real life. Not long ago, the Jiangsu Embodied Intelligence Robot Industry Alliance was established, concurrently releasing the “Ten Typical Application Scenarios of Embodied Intelligence Robots in Jiangsu.” In the field of embodied intelligence robots, Jiangsu demonstrates vibrant innovative vitality and a deep industrial foundation, with the research, development, and practical application of embodied intelligence robot technology advancing into deeper realms.
The diversity of product forms in embodied intelligence robots is striking, with each showcasing unique functionalities. At the establishment ceremony of the Jiangsu Embodied Intelligence Robot Industry Alliance and the industrial innovation development对接会, the exhibition hall first presented a range of innovative products with varied forms and rich functions. Among the many exhibits, the star product of Nanjing Weilan Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd.—the BabyAlpha artificial intelligence quadruped robot—was particularly eye-catching. These robotic “dogs” can not only perform synchronized dances and handstands but are also positioned for family companionship. The company’s founder and CEO, Liu Weichao, emphasized, “Our users already regard them as part of the family, not just a device.” BabyAlpha, with its natural language multimodal interaction and vivid emotional expression, is becoming a warm technological companion in urban life.
Beyond family companions, embodied intelligence products serving special populations have also emerged in Jiangsu. The embodied intelligence guide dog from the Harbin Institute of Technology Suzhou Research Institute integrates multimodal large models and computer vision technology. It can accurately detect the environment, providing indoor and outdoor travel guidance, one-stop medical assistance, daily reminders, and other services for visually impaired individuals. It can even offer proactive scene explanations and knowledge Q&A, acting as an all-weather “intelligent eye,” and can connect to human support in real-time.
The Harbin Institute of Technology Suzhou Research Institute also showcased its cutting-edge hydraulic humanoid robot. This robot features lightweight bones and flexible joints, possessing characteristics such as being lightweight, flexible, and impact-resistant. It demonstrates abilities like running, opening doors, and extinguishing fires with equipment, with future targets指向 firefighters and other professions.
Innovation in product forms extends far beyond this. The train intelligent inspection robot brought by Nanjing Jingyao Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. debuted with its unique cylindrical, multi-joint, rotatable “spiritual snake” form. It can operate smoothly in narrow train tracks (as narrow as 690mm),具备高速作业能力 (up to 1.5m/s), and is equipped with a new generation of high-precision image detection algorithms (comprehensive recognition rate exceeding 99%), effectively completing various key detection tasks such as temperature measurement, gas leaks, and oil leaks.
The application scenarios for embodied intelligence robots are extensive, and products are accelerating their落地. According to Professor Song Aiguo, a chief professor at Southeast University, the industrialization process of embodied intelligence robots has significantly accelerated over the past five years. Nationwide, humanoid robot enterprises have reached over 200, achieving the普及 of industrial robots and special technologies. In Jiangsu, more than 100 national-level科技型企业 in the robot field have been cultivated, with the province leading in promoting the integration of technological and industrial innovation as a major economic province. Currently, many robots are already in use across various industries.
In the industrial manufacturing sector, embodied intelligence robots are becoming an important force in enhancing efficiency and ensuring safety. Taking the robots of Magic Atom Robot Technology (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. as an example, they have already taken on the task of identifying and transporting materials in manufacturing factories. Their end-to-end visual occupancy grid perception navigation technology赋予 360-degree ultra-low blind spot environmental perception capabilities, enabling multi-machine collaborative operations,精细抓放 of parts, and even performing multi-task operations such as product quality inspection, packaging verification, and system entry.
Faced with hazardous environments, embodied intelligence robots demonstrate irreplaceable value. Nanjing Tianchuang Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. (Tianchuang Robot), headquartered in Nanjing, is a pioneer in this field. This company, dedicated to enhancing human safety, has long been deeply involved in solutions for operations in difficult, harsh, and dangerous environments. Its launched embodied explosion-proof humanoid robot has obtained the highest level of explosion-proof certification and can be widely used in high-risk scenarios, such as chemical refining areas and oil and gas platforms, performing reconnaissance, rescue, explosive disposal, and firefighting tasks; it can also be applied in precision/clean scenarios, such as power grids and sewage treatment facilities, for facility inspection and equipment maintenance; and it can be used in complex civilian scenarios, such as交通 tunnels, substations, and community energy storage facilities, performing patrol and monitoring tasks.
The future prospects for Jiangsu’s embodied intelligence robot industry are broad, with strong potential, momentum, and vitality. On August 2, 2025, the 2025 Yangtze River Delta (Kunshan) Embodied Intelligence Industry Development and Developer Conference was held in Kunshan City. The “Kunshan City Action Plan for Promoting the Innovative Development of the Embodied Intelligence Industry (2025–2027)” was released, explicitly proposing to focus on four cutting-edge areas—AI servers, intelligent robots, intelligent connected vehicles, and low-altitude aircraft—systematically carry out the “Ten Batch Industry Actions,” and build a new trillion-level industrial cluster. The “Wuxi City Embodied Intelligence Robot Industry Development Implementation Plan (2025–2027)” was recently released, with targets to achieve an industry scale exceeding 30 billion yuan within three years, increase the number of cluster enterprises to 200, and create no fewer than 300 typical application scenarios. Nanjing City has established that by 2027, the comprehensive strength of Nanjing’s embodied intelligence robot industry will be at the forefront nationally, with a core industry scale exceeding 10 billion yuan.
Despite the广阔前景, the embodied intelligence robot industry in Jiangsu and nationwide must overcome a series of challenges to truly achieve规模化应用.
Zhou Zhihua, Foreign Academician of the European Academy of Sciences, Chairman of the International Joint Conference on Artificial Intelligence Council, and Vice President of Nanjing University, proposed that large model technology is a key breakthrough for the development of embodied intelligence. He believes that constructing a more ideal world model requires selection based on the decision operations of hardware objects and their long-term impacts. From a technical perspective, three major challenges are faced: high barriers in basic technology, significant difficulties in theoretical modeling, and practical application promotion difficulties. In complex systems, minor errors may be amplified tens of thousands of times; therefore, research in this field requires rigorous attitudes and continuous efforts.
Professor Song Aiguo also pointed out that humanoid robots have outstanding operational capabilities, but cost, technology, and collaboration are the main bottlenecks for规模化应用. Although humanoid robots are widely considered to have the strongest potential for operational capabilities, especially in complex non-structured environments, their large-scale application still faces multiple key challenges. He proposed that cost-effectiveness is the primary难题. Under current technology, high costs contrast with limited actual returns. Existing automation solutions also have deficiencies in safety and convenience. Mobile performance is similarly limited, and adaptability in special scenarios such as healthcare needs optimization. Secondly, the optimization of human-machine resource allocation is also an important议题. How to reasonably分配 the roles and tasks of humans and robots to maximize efficiency and promote consumer market development urgently requires in-depth exploration. Additionally, efficient and intelligent human-robot collaboration is a breakthrough point. Under existing technological conditions, enhancing the fluency of collaboration and strengthening robots’ data processing capabilities are crucial.
Jiangsu’s embodied intelligence robot industry is currently in a stage of integration of innovation and application development. From diverse product innovations to continuously deepening scenario落地, and then to清醒认知 and tackling core bottlenecks, Jiangsu’s practice provides valuable experience and momentum for the development of the embodied intelligence robot industry. With the continuous advancement of technology and the ongoing improvement of the industrial ecosystem, these intelligent robots with “bodies” will integrate more deeply into our production and daily lives.
The embodied intelligence sector in Jiangsu is witnessing rapid growth, with embodied robot technologies being applied across various domains. For instance, the embodied intelligence guide dog represents a significant step forward in assistive technologies, while the hydraulic humanoid robot showcases the potential for embodied intelligence in demanding physical tasks. The train inspection robot exemplifies how embodied robots can operate in constrained environments, highlighting the versatility of embodied intelligence systems.
In industrial settings, embodied intelligence robots are not only improving efficiency but also reducing human exposure to hazardous conditions. The robots from Magic Atom demonstrate how embodied intelligence can enable precise material handling and quality control, while Tianchuang Robot’s explosion-proof models underscore the role of embodied robots in safety-critical applications. These developments illustrate the broad applicability of embodied intelligence across different sectors.
Looking ahead, the policies and targets set by cities like Kunshan, Wuxi, and Nanjing indicate a strong commitment to fostering the embodied intelligence robot industry. The focus on AI servers, intelligent robots, and other前沿领域 aligns with global trends in embodied intelligence research and development. However, as experts note, overcoming technical and economic hurdles is essential for the widespread adoption of embodied robots.
Professor Song’s emphasis on cost-effectiveness and human-robot collaboration highlights key areas for improvement in embodied intelligence systems. Similarly, Zhou Zhihua’s insights into world modeling and error amplification underscore the technical complexities involved in advancing embodied intelligence. These challenges must be addressed through sustained research and innovation to fully realize the potential of embodied intelligence robots.
In conclusion, Jiangsu’s progress in the embodied intelligence robot industry reflects a broader movement towards integrating advanced robotics into everyday life. The diversity of embodied robot products, coupled with expanding application scenarios and supportive policies, positions the region as a leader in this field. As embodied intelligence technologies mature, they promise to transform industries and enhance human capabilities, making embodied robots an integral part of the future technological landscape.