Industry leaders stated that the next critical step is building computing systems. Here is how CCTV+ reports it.

At the Shanghai summit, industry leaders emphasized a shift in priorities toward breakthroughs in core components and virtual training systems. Despite expectations for humanoid robot demonstrations, the spotlight fell on chips, sensors, and control units.

"Our products function like a robot's brain. After receiving a task, the system analyzes, understands, and executes it," said Shen Bing from Qingyi (Shanghai) Intelligent Technology.

Although China produces over 70% of humanoid robot components, high-tech sensors and precision parts still lag in commercialization. There is consensus that the next step is building the robot's "brain."

A new approach presented at the summit uses virtual environments as training grounds, allowing robots to practice in simulation. "We expect machines will develop the ability to think and act autonomously," said Zhang Heng from the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

The summit also marked the launch of an embodied AI industry alliance. The first group of 12 enterprises signed agreements to establish production sites in the Lingang New Area.

In 2025, the number of humanoid robot manufacturers in China exceeded 140, with shipments reaching 14,400 units — over 80% of the global market. For 2026, shipments are forecast to exceed 60,000 units