The "NAVIAI 2" humanoid robot walks near Ningbo Railway Station. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]

The Zhejiang Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, located in Haishu district, Ningbo, has made significant strides with its "NAVIAI 2" humanoid robot.

Co-founded by Professor Xiong Rong of Zhejiang University and several industry partners, the center announced that the robot, which is roughly the same size and weight as an adult, has achieved stable bipedal walking, placing it at the forefront of national technology.

In early March, "NAVIAI 2" was seen walking near Ningbo Railway Station, moving with natural arm swings and graceful steps. Passersby were amazed, with some commenting on the potential for robots in elderly care.

While other humanoid robots have displayed dance moves, "NAVIAI 2" has still only mastered walking, which is complex due to its full-sized design. According to Mr Zhang, an algorithm engineer at the center, creating a humanoid robot that matches an adult's size presented significant technical challenges. Their team worked tirelessly to overcome these hurdles, successfully advancing their timeline by two months.

The training process involved capturing human motion data and mapping it onto the robot through algorithms and physical simulation technology. This advancement allows the robot to navigate surfaces such as concrete and asphalt at up to 1.5 meters per second.

The "NAVIAI 2" humanoid robot works at a factory. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]

Since its debut last August, "NAVIAI 2" has already been equipped with a "brain" capable of drawing inferences and "dexterous hands" that can screw bolts and carry objects.

The center's next target is the robot's abilities to run, jump, and interact with people, ensuring stability and safety. The "NAVIAI 2" robot is also being integrated into research, education, smart retail, and intelligent manufacturing sectors.

This year, the center opened a factory in Haishu, set to start mass-producing hundreds of humanoid robots by April.