Beijing — The world’s first universal embodied AI platform, capable of supporting multiple body types and scenarios, was launched in Beijing on Wednesday. This groundbreaking development is set to accelerate the integration of smart technologies into the real world, propelling advancements in robotics, autonomous driving, and human-machine interaction.
Named “Huisi Kaiwu”, the platform was developed by the Beijing Innovation Center of Humanoid Robots, a collaboration between the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the Beijing Municipal Government, and leading enterprises and research institutions in the robotics sector.
Embodied AI integrates artificial intelligence into physical bodies like robots, enabling them to perceive, learn, and interact with their environment dynamically, much like humans. Through continuous learning and adaptation, these robots can perform tasks by perceiving their surroundings, taking action, and receiving environmental feedback, thereby enhancing autonomy and real-world applicability.
Beyond humanoid robots, the platform extends to other interactive hardware such as autonomous vehicles and wearable devices, which can all serve as vessels for embodied AI.
“For humanoid robots to function effectively, they need both a ‘brain’ and a ‘cerebellum’,” explained Tang Jian, the chief technical officer of the center. “The ‘brain’ enables natural interaction, spatial perception, and hierarchical planning, while the ‘cerebellum’ handles tasks like grasping, skill execution, and error handling.”
In practical terms, the robot’s ‘brain’ plans the tasks and instructs the ‘cerebellum’ to execute specific actions, creating a task loop that allows for autonomous decision-making and movement in complex environments.
At the launch event, the platform showcased real-world applications across four scenarios: industrial sorting, block building, desktop cleaning, and logistics packaging. Users interacted with the robots through voice commands and a dedicated app, highlighting the platform’s user-friendly design.
In one demonstration, robotic arms accurately interpreted voice instructions received via the Huisi Kaiwu app and completed an industrial sorting task with precision through bimanual collaboration.
“Our ‘app plus robot’ model simplifies complex technical capabilities into user-friendly procedures,” said Tang. “This approach lowers the barrier for users and allows for rapid customization to meet diverse needs in different scenarios, providing efficient and intelligent solutions for industrial automation.”
The platform boasts whole-process intelligence, from understanding tasks to executing them, and can handle complex tasks in various settings. It is compatible with a range of body types, including robotic arms, wheeled robots, and humanoid robots.
Embodied AI is still in its early stages, but its development has been highlighted in this year’s government work report. According to plans previously disclosed by the MIIT, China aims to establish a preliminary innovation system for humanoid robots by 2025 and to have a secure and reliable industrial and supply chain system by 2027, by which time related products are expected to be deeply integrated into the real economy.
