In a landmark event that underscores China’s rapid ascendancy in advanced robotics, the first Embodied Intelligence Robot Games recently concluded in Wuxi, a historic industrial hub in eastern China. The three-day event brought together over 100 research teams, leading enterprises, and universities, showcasing 150+ robots in competitions ranging from 2V2 soccer matches to AI chess challenges against human players. As the world’s gaze turned to the “martial arts assembly” of robots, Wuxi unveiled its ambitious blueprint: to build a 30-billion-yuan ($4.2 billion) embodied intelligence robot industry cluster within three years, gathering 200 enterprises and creating over 300 typical application scenarios across key sectors. This bold initiative positions Wuxi as a frontrunner in China’s race to dominate the global humanoid robot landscape.
A Showcase of Innovation: Wuxi’s Technological Prowess
The robot games served as a stage for Wuxi’s technological breakthroughs. Among the star attractions was “Tiedun,” China’s first humanoid basketball robot, which demonstrated pinpoint shooting accuracy, outperforming multiple human challengers. Another standout was “Xiaoxie,” a robot capable of calligraphy, its mechanical arms deftly manipulating brushstrokes with surprising artistic flair. Perhaps most poignant was the “muscle exoskeleton robot,” which granted a mobility-impaired individual the ability to walk independently—a testament to Wuxi’s focus on practical, life-changing innovations.
Data underscores Wuxi’s leadership in robotics R&D. From 2015 to 2024, the city filed 572 patents in humanoid robot technology, with a 57% authorization rate for invention patents—ranking first in Jiangsu Province. Wuxi has cracked key technologies in core components such as servo systems, joint modules, sensors, and millimeter-wave radars, fostering a robust ecosystem of specialized products.
Take Yiyou Technology, a Wuxi-based enterprise and supplier of servo joints for “Tiangong,” the humanoid robot that won the robot half-marathon. “Our mission is to perfect the performance of integrated joints while minimizing costs to drive large-scale adoption of intelligent robots,” said Sun Zeju, founder of Jiangsu Yiyou Robot Technology. The company’s ProServo series micro servo joints now boast internationally leading core technologies, exemplifying Wuxi’s drive for technological excellence.
Collaborative research initiatives further strengthen Wuxi’s innovation pipeline. The Xiganghu Robot Dexterous Intelligence Research Institute, established in Wuxi last year, brings together experts from three regions to develop the “cerebellum” for humanoid robots—advanced control systems for dexterous movement. With a team exceeding 100 and over 50 invention patents filed, the institute represents Wuxi’s commitment to cross-regional collaboration. Huishan District, leveraging technical support from elite institutions like Huazhong University of Science and Technology and Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, has incubated the institute and other high-quality robotics enterprises. During the games, Huishan and Xishan districts signed strategic partnerships with the National Humanoid Robot Innovation Center to build application demonstration bases and robot training grounds, solidifying Wuxi’s position as a research and development hub.
Industrial Upgrading: From Automobiles to Robots
Wuxi’s transition into robotics builds on its robust automotive industry, a 200-billion-yuan cluster that provides a solid foundation for industrial “lane changing.” The parallels between humanoid robot and automotive industries—supply chain complexity, manufacturing scalability, and technological integration—make Wuxi’s shift both strategic and seamless.
Tianqi Automation Engineering Co., Ltd., a 40-year veteran in manufacturing production line integration, has made humanoid robots a core strategic focus. The company established a humanoid robot division, built a data collection and application training base for embodied intelligence robots, and formed a joint venture with UBTECH Robotics—Wuxi Youqi Robot Technology Co., Ltd.—which was named a “chain leader” in Wuxi’s humanoid robot industry cluster. “We are driving large-scale implementation of humanoid robots in smart manufacturing, already providing solutions to over 20 clients,” said Guo Dahong, deputy general manager of Tianqi’s humanoid robot division.
While leading enterprises lead the charge, Wuxi’s supply chain ecosystem is equally impressive. Companies with roots in automotive parts are pivoting to robotics: Besturn (Wuxi Best) established a subsidiary, Yuhua Precision Machinery, to develop ball screws for linear actuators; automotive giants Huaguang and Wand 动力 (Wandi Power) formed WeiHan Intelligence to focus on harmonic reducers. These moves have forged a full industrial chain of core components, with local leaders uniting in the “Humanoid Robot Core Components Industry Alliance” to coordinate R&D, manufacturing, and market expansion.
Wuxi’s strategic approach combines industrial clusters with specialized parks. The Wuxi (Huishan) Humanoid Robot Industrial Park, under construction, focuses on robot manufacturing and uses an “investment-financing-construction-operation” model to attract upstream and downstream enterprises. The first and second phases will open by the end of this year, with six projects—including exoskeleton robots and pipeline maintenance robots—signed during the games. This “park-driven” model ensures concentrated development along the robotics value chain, from R&D to pilot production and manufacturing.
Broadening Horizons: From Factories to Daily Life
Beyond the competition arena, Wuxi is rapidly expanding humanoid robot applications, bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and real-world needs. “Robots are not just performing stunts; they’re generating actionable data to refine algorithms and driving practical implementations across industries,” noted a senior industry observer at the games.
In industrial settings, Wuxi Youqi’s full-stack unmanned logistics solution began trial operations at BYD’s Changsha industrial park in October 2023, marking the first collaboration between humanoid robots and autonomous vehicles. This year, UBTECH Robotics will deploy 20 Walker S1 industrial humanoid robots at Dongfeng Liuzhou Motors, a global first in mass deployment for vehicle manufacturing. These projects highlight Wuxi’s role in pushing robotics beyond experimental stages to large-scale industrial adoption.
Wuxi’s vision extends to civilian sectors. At Changning Community Service Center, “Datou Aliang,” China’s first smart elderly care robot, engages seniors in conversations, demonstrating the fusion of the “silver economy” with AI. “With aging populations and AI advancements, the market potential is enormous,” said Ran Chenglong, GM of Jiangsu Aiyu Wencheng Elderly Care Robot Co. Since its debut at the Shanghai Elderly Expo last year, Datou Aliang has secured domestic and international orders, embarking on a global journey.
Across Wuxi, robots are transforming daily life: they serve as workshop technicians, security patrol officers, education aides, baristas, and even “fans” at events. This diversity of applications reflects the city’s strategy to explore “high-frequency high-frequency civilian scenarios’, from manufacturing to education, security, and healthcare.
Experts at the games, including CAS Academician Ding Han and foreign member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering Zhang Jianwei, emphasized the vast potential of humanoid robots across sectors. Their insights were validated by seven procurement intention projects signed at the event, including a humanoid robot battery factory and primary-secondary school education purchases, alongside Wuxi’s release of a demand list for nearly 300 robots. These developments signal a rapid expansion of application scenarios, from industrial giants to grassroots communities.
The Road Ahead: Wuxi’s Blueprint for Global Leadership
As Wuxi charts its course, its three-year plan—200 enterprises, 300 scenarios, 30 billion yuan in scale—reflects both ambition and pragmatism. The city’s strengths in technology, manufacturing ecosystems, and policy support create a trifecta for success in the humanoid robot industry.
“The convergence of AI, robotics, and traditional industries is reshaping global economic landscapes,” said a Wuxi government official. “By leveraging our industrial heritage and fostering innovation, we aim to make Wuxi a global landmark for humanoid robot technology and applications.”
For China’s humanoid robot industry, Wuxi’s rise symbolizes a broader national drive to lead in emerging technologies. With each robot that competes, innovates, and integrates into society, Wuxi is not just building industrial cluster—it is scripting the next chapter in China’s technological revolution, one where humanoid robots transcend novelty to become indispensable partners in progress.
As the world watches, Wuxi’s journey offers a glimpse into the future: a future where intelligent machines enhance productivity, enrich lives, and drive China to the forefront of the global humanoid robot industry. The city’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and practical application ensures that this future is not just on the horizon—it is being built, one robot at a time, in the heart of Jiangsu.