In recent years, China has emerged as a global contender in the rapidly evolving field of humanoid robotics, with the city of Nanjing at the forefront of this technological surge. As a key player in China’s robotics industry, Nanjing has been making significant strides in developing advanced humanoid robots, driving innovation across technical research, application scenarios, and industrial chain development. This article delves into how Nanjing is positioning itself as a “robot city” and contributing to the nation’s leadership in the global humanoid robot arena, with a focus on the remarkable progress and strategic vision that characterize China’s robot revolution.
The Technical Frontier: Advancing “Brains” and “Bodies” of Humanoid Robots
At the core of Nanjing’s humanoid robot development lies a dual focus on enhancing both the intelligence (“brains”) and physical capabilities (“bodies”) of these machines. One of the most notable advancements is the application of reinforcement learning, a critical technology that enables robots to learn and optimize their movements through trial and error in real-world environments.
In the foot-type robot laboratory of Jiangsu Jicui Intelligent Manufacturing Technology Research Institute, researchers like Lu Zigui and Dr. Luo Yan have been pioneering the use of reinforcement learning to improve humanoid robot locomotion. Through a system of positive and negative rewards—where successful steps and balance earn positive feedback, while falls or deviations result in negative signals—robots can gradually refine their walking patterns. This technology has transformed robots from being dependent on human assistance (as seen in the viral 2024 video of a robot needing help to walk) to performing complex maneuvers such as steady walking, precise foot placement, and even quick recovery after being struck in combat competitions .
Dr. Luo Yan explains that while reinforcement learning was first conceptualized in the 1960s, its practical application in humanoid robotics has only accelerated in recent years with the development of training frameworks that lower algorithm development thresholds. This breakthrough has been pivotal in enabling robots to exhibit human-like mobility, a testament to Nanjing’s technical prowess in bridging theoretical research and practical innovation .
On the mechanical front, Nanjing’s researchers are tackling the challenge of improving robot “bodies” through two primary technical pathways: electric servo and electro-hydraulic servo systems. Electric servo technology, which uses motor-driven mechanisms, is widely adopted due to its lower entry barrier. However, it faces limitations in load capacity and complex environment adaptability. In contrast, electro-hydraulic servo systems offer higher power density and explosive force, making them suitable for rugged terrains and heavy-duty tasks such as agricultural harvesting, hazardous material handling, and disaster relief .
Despite the higher technical hurdles, institutions like Jicui Intelligent Manufacturing are committed to mastering electro-hydraulic servo technology. Their four-legged electro-hydraulic servo robot can already walk at 5 km/h, comparable to a human brisk walk, demonstrating Nanjing’s determination to occupy the “high ground” of robotics technology .
Industry experts, however, note that while significant progress has been made in motor control and mobility, humanoid robots still lack sophisticated spatial intelligence large models as their “brains.” Additionally, battery life remains a critical bottleneck, particularly for applications requiring sustained high-intensity activity . Nanjing’s researchers are actively addressing these challenges, combining software innovation with hardware upgrades to create more intelligent and robust machines.
Real-World Applications: Industrial Specialists and Elderly Care Innovators
While humanoid robot sports events—such as the half-marathons and combat competitions—have captured public attention, Nanjing’s focus extends beyond showcasing technical feats to practical industrial and societal applications. Industry insiders emphasize that these events primarily serve to raise awareness and attract investment, with mass-market adoption still a decade away due to challenges like high manufacturing costs and operational versatility .
In the short term, Nanjing is prioritizing industrial applications, where robots can excel in specialized tasks without needing a fully humanoid form. A prime example is Nanjing Tianchuang Electronic Technology’s “Tiankui 1,” the world’s first explosion-proof humanoid robot designed for high-risk environments such as chemical plants, mines, and metallurgical facilities. Although still in small-scale simulation testing, the robot has already secured tens of millions of yuan in 意向 orders (translated as “intention orders”) and is expected to enter mass production by the end of the year. Its ability to perform safe maintenance on hazardous equipment fills a critical gap in industrial 智能化 (intelligentization), highlighting Nanjing’s role in driving technological innovation for niche markets .
In the mid-to-long term, Nanjing is eyeing broader applications in agriculture, construction, and domestic services, with a particular focus on elderly care. As China’s aging population grows, the demand for robotic assistance in rehabilitation and daily care has surged. Estun (Nanjing) Medical Technology has already deployed its elderly care rehabilitation robots in five community centers and several national senior care chains. Their products include upper limb, wrist, elbow, and lower limb rehabilitation systems, designed to assist semi-disabled elderly or stroke patients in their recovery .
Another key player, Nanjing-based Yijiahe, is collaborating with innovation teams to develop embodied intelligence robots, aiming to reduce service costs in elderly care scenarios by 60% by 2027. By optimizing motion control and interaction capabilities, these robots could revolutionize senior care, making professional rehabilitation services more accessible and affordable .
These applications illustrate Nanjing’s strategic approach: prioritizing practical, high-impact sectors where humanoid robots can deliver immediate value, while laying the groundwork for broader societal integration in the future.
Building a Robust Ecosystem: Core Components and Industrial Chains
A critical strength of Nanjing’s robotics industry lies in its robust supply chain for core components. Joint modules, which integrate drivers, motors, reducers, encoders, and controllers, account for over 50% of a robot’s total cost. Notably, more than 50% of participants in the global first humanoid robot half-marathon used joint modules from Nanjing’s Inkers Intelligent Technology, underscoring the city’s dominance in this sector .
Professor Yang Jiquan, Dean of the School of Electrical and Automation Engineering at Nanjing Normal University, highlights Nanjing’s competitive edge in key components such as servo systems, roller screws, harmonic reducers, and millimeter-wave radars. These products not only meet domestic demand but also possess strong international market appeal. To further solidify this advantage, Yang advocates for targeted technological breakthroughs at universities and research institutions, coupled with industry-led efforts to refine manufacturing processes and expand product lines. The goal is to establish Nanjing as a leading global hub for high-performance humanoid robot components while promoting the development of complete machine products for specific applications .
To accelerate industrialization, Nanjing has launched a three-year action plan to foster a “1+N+1” complete machine ecosystem, with the final “1” dedicated to humanoid robots. This initiative aims to advance R&D of core components like “brains,” “cerebellums,” and “limbs,” build universal 整机 platforms (complete machine platforms), and establish small-batch production capabilities for humanoid robots. Additionally, the city has established a Robot Industry Task Force to coordinate innovation and cultivate competitive enterprises through institutional reforms .
Industry stakeholders also emphasize the importance of training grounds of humanoid robots, which can simulate diverse scenarios (industrial, medical, domestic) to collect data and build high-quality training datasets. Such infrastructure not only accelerates technological iteration but also attracts robotics enterprises by facilitating 产业化 (industrialization) and clustering of the industry chain .
Financial innovation is another pillar of Nanjing’s strategy. Recommendations include setting up collaborative funds to leverage social capital for supporting R&D across the entire chain, from software algorithms to embodied intelligence. This would create a virtuous cycle of “technical breakthroughs—mass production cost reduction—scenario expansion,” benefiting both start-ups tackling technical bottlenecks and leading manufacturers scaling production .
The Road Ahead: Nanjing’s Vision for China’s Robot Dominance
As Nanjing continues to elevate its role in China’s humanoid robot revolution, the city’s efforts reflect a broader national ambition to lead in this transformative field. The upcoming World Humanoid Robot Games in August, featuring events like athletics, gymnastics, football, and dance, will serve as a global stage for Nanjing’s innovations, further cementing its status as a robotics pioneer .
Yet, the journey ahead is not without challenges. Overcoming technical hurdles like energy efficiency and intelligence, reducing costs, and ensuring safe human-robot interaction require sustained collaboration between academia, industry, and government. Nanjing’s proactive approach—through policy support, R&D investments, and ecosystem building—positions it well to address these challenges and drive the industry forward.
In essence, Nanjing’s story is a microcosm of China’s rapid ascent in humanoid robotics. By focusing on core technologies, practical applications, and industrial integration, the city is not only shaping its future as a “robot city” but also contributing to China’s mission of becoming a global leader in intelligent manufacturing. As the world watches the unfolding arena competition) in humanoid robotics, Nanjing’s strategic moves and technological prowess ensure that China’s robot revolution is not just a vision but a rapidly unfolding reality.
With its blend of innovation, determination, and systematic planning, Nanjing is proving that in the global race for humanoid robot supremacy, China is a force to be reckoned with. As the industry continues to evolve, the city’s advancements will undoubtedly inspire further breakthroughs, driving the boundaries of what humanoid robots can achieve and how they will transform industries and daily life across the nation and beyond.