When a 1.8-meter tall “mechanical cop” patrols the parking lot with a flashlight in hand and greets you, this scene, once only existing in science fiction movies, is gradually becoming a reality in Ningbo as humanoid robots accelerate their integration into diverse production and life scenarios. Recently, the Zhejiang Humanoid Robot Innovation Center launched the new NAVIAI-I3 robot, which boasts strong lower limb performance, capable of walking and even running at speeds of up to 9 kilometers per hour, targeting applications in security and inspection. The innovation center is working overtime to expedite the mass production of this new product.
Humanoid robots from Puzhi Future folding clothes (Photo by Sun Jiajun and Yin Cong) 2025 is seen as the “year of mass production” for humanoid robots, and Ningbo’s industrial layout has gained “acceleration”: from automotive supply chain giants like Joyson Electronics and Top Group entering the field, to well-known robotics companies like Yushu Technology and Baoniq settling in; from the Zhejiang Humanoid Robot Innovation Center moving into the Yongshui Bridge Science and Technology Innovation Zone, to the establishment of humanoid robot training grounds and the country’s first commercial insurance for humanoid robots, “Smart Insurance”… the industrial chain ecosystem is becoming increasingly complete. Data confirms the progress: currently, the number of companies in Ningbo capable of complete machine production has increased from 3 at the beginning of the year to 8; the number of supply chain companies in the city has grown from 25 to 88; 18 sensor companies have basically achieved full coverage of specialized product categories; new materials like PEEK from Jintian Copper and Fengmei Chemical will also be scaled for use in robot manufacturing. Relying on the synergy between complete machines and components, “Ningbo-made” humanoid robots can now be largely manufactured locally. More importantly, Ningbo is driving the industry forward through scenario-based applications. On November 20, Zhiyuan Robotics set a Guinness World Record for the “first humanoid robot to walk across provinces,” highlighting its long-distance mobility capabilities—an important foundation for various applications. Currently, many companies in Ningbo have engaged in deep cooperation with Zhiyuan Robotics. On October 16, the joint venture between Junpu Intelligent and Zhiyuan Robotics, Puzhi Future, reached a critical milestone: the new production line for 3,000 humanoid robots per year was put into operation, with the first batch of G2 new products rolling off the line, while the Ningbo Embodied Intelligent Robot Innovation Center, which was simultaneously launched, will fully expand high-value scenarios. “G2 is not just a robot; it is an ‘intelligent worker’ capable of understanding the environment, interacting with people, and making autonomous decisions,” said Zhou Xingyou, Vice President of Joyson Group. Currently, companies are accelerating the implementation of scenarios such as material recognition, visual grasping, and force control placement, solidifying the foundation for “working in factories.” “Ningbo has both a core component industry base and rich scenario advantages of ‘large manufacturing and large ports,'” said a relevant official from the Municipal Economic and Information Bureau. The fourth quarter is a critical phase for achieving annual goals, and the next step will focus on accelerating technological breakthroughs in key areas such as the “brain,” “small brain,” and “limbs,” planning high-value scenarios in key fields like smart ports and intelligent manufacturing, promoting robots to “work in factories, serve the public, and be employed,” forming a virtuous cycle of “innovation driving application, application promoting innovation,” and using the humanoid robot industry as a starting point to drive the development of embodied intelligence and even the broader artificial intelligence industry, injecting strong momentum into the transformation and upgrading of “Ningbo manufacturing.” (Ningbo Daily Client, Yin Cong)