A robot enhances the travel experience for passengers at Jinhua Railway Station in Zhejiang province on Jan 14. [Photo/IC]

Zhejiang province's government work report for 2024 outlined plans to accelerate development in humanoid robotics.

In September 2024, the province unveiled its "Humanoid Robot Industry Innovation and Development Plan (2024-27)" to position itself at the forefront of this emerging field.

While current applications remain largely research-oriented with limited practical use, Zhejiang aims to change that. Key initiatives include advancing core technologies, scaling up the production of essential components, and integrating robots into practical scenarios.

The province also plans to establish a national hub for robotics innovation, focusing on product development, testing, and showcasing new advancements.

Zhejiang will further launch a humanoid robotics industry alliance led by its innovation center, bringing together leading enterprises, universities, and research institutions to foster collaborative innovation and technological breakthroughs.