The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) has inaugurated the city’s first experimental hub dedicated to embodied artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to position Hong Kong as a key player in the expanding global robotics industry. The Embodied AI International Applications Hub, located in the HKPC Building in Kowloon Tong, brings together seven mainland and Hong Kong technology firms, including prominent names such as Unitree Robotics and Galbot.
The facility is designed to replicate real-world settings, enabling participating companies to test and refine robotic technologies before potential international deployment. Sunny Tan, chairman of the HKPC, highlighted Hong Kong’s strategic advantage in offering international application scenarios for robotics development, noting that mainland manufacturers can train their robots for global markets without the need to operate outside the city.
At the opening event, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong emphasized the hub as a significant step in aligning Hong Kong with broader national initiatives focused on advancing embodied AI and robotics technology. Sun described humanoid robotics and embodied AI as critical areas of technological innovation with the potential to revolutionize industrial processes and create new productive capabilities. He also assured ongoing government support to reinforce development in the sector.
The hub’s launch involves an initial collaboration among seven technology partners and eight “scenario partners,” which include government entities and major corporations. Notable participants are the Civil Engineering and Development Department of Hong Kong and the electronics company TCL, which will employ advanced robotic solutions in various operational environments.
Edmond Lai, chief digital officer at HKPC, identified the scarcity of real-world testing environments as a major challenge for the robotics industry. He noted that different regions are still developing standards for embodied AI, describing the current period as a pivotal opportunity to establish best practices that could influence future industry regulations.
Industry leaders and media representatives were given a guided tour following the ceremony, showcasing live demonstrations from the participating companies. Robotera, a firm backed by Tsinghua University, demonstrated its M7 humanoid robot, which has already been integrated into logistics operations at SF Express and China Post. Unitree Robotics presented its R1 humanoid robot and A2 quadruped model, both designed for applications such as factory inspections.
The hub represents Hong Kong’s commitment to fostering innovation in robotics and AI while supporting cross-border collaboration to advance the field globally.