BEIJING, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- PsiBot's Robots Are Playing Mahjong While Others Are Still Learning to Walk
While most embodied robots are still focusing on basic motion control such as walking and running, PsiBot's robots have pioneered long-horizon complex tasks in open environments, playing Mahjong with humans.
And Mahjong is no simple task.
It's a strategic, multi-layered game requiring precise manipulation—drawing, discarding, organizing tiles—and even more importantly, long-horizon planning: evaluating one's own tiles, interpreting the game state, and predicting opponents' moves. This blend of dexterous action and complex reasoning makes Mahjong one of the most demanding challenges for robotics today.
Redefining Dexterity: From Pick & Place to Long-Horizon Manipulation
Robotic manipulation can be broken down into three levels of complexity:
L1: Basic pick-and-place tasks in static environments without autonomous reasoning and dexterous manipulation
L2: Human-like manipulation in dynamic environments—featuring grips like lateral pinch, tripod, or power sphere without cognition chain to complete complex multi-modal tasks.
L3: Autonomous reasoning system based on Chain of Action Thought (CoAT) to make decisions and perform long-horizon complicated manipulation in open environments.
Playing Mahjong is a typical L3 task.
Only with L3-level CoAT capabilities to perform long-horizon tasks can robots understand their environment, make decisions, learn from experience, and adapt to new tasks—skills essential for real-world deployment. PsiBot addresses this challenge with its novel R1 model, built on a hierarchical end-to-end architecture and powered by reinforcement learning (RL).
In real-world Mahjong scenarios, R1 has demonstrated sustained and coherent CoAT capability for up to 30 minutes, executing open-ended tasks and reasoning autonomously. It empowers human-robot interaction, interaction between robots, and environment interaction, demonstrating the VLA's superb reasoning ability and the RL's ability that exceeds the upper ceiling of human thinking and manipulation. This breakthrough marks a key leap from performing a single action to completing the closed loop of perception, reasoning and execution in the complex physical world, providing a technical paradigm for embodied intelligence to land in commercial scenarios.
A Breakthrough in Architecture: PsiBot's hierarchical end-to-end model
Founded in 2024, PsiBot has taken the lead to introduce a hierarchical end-to-end architecture, composed of a planner and a controller, which are connected implicitly by Action Tokenizer and jointly perform long-horizon dexterous manipulation, a paradigm that has now become a consensus in the industry. In addition, PsiBot also uses RL throughout the system, improving task success rates, extending CoAT durations, and creating a data flywheel that continually enhances data utilization efficiency.
From Tech Demo to Industrial Edge
The R1 model is not just a lab prototype.
With L3 capabilities, it can perform in open environments —reasoning, adapting, and manipulating over long time horizons, which can be deployed in industrial, logistical, retailing, and To-C scenarios. Currently, PsiBot has partnered with leading firms in the manufacturing, retailing, and e-commerce industries to explore opportunities in commercialized scenarios.
In the end, PsiBot isn't just building robots that can walk or talk. It's building robots that can reason, plan, and perform—— in the real world.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
The Real VLA is Coming: Psi R1 Starts a New Era of Embodied AI
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- Resumes services to Fukuoka, Japan from September 2026 after nearly two decades
- Expands China footprint with new direct services to Shenzhen and Changsha, commencing July 2026
- "MAG Arena" showcases Asia's Largest Airline Pavilion at MATTA Fair 2026, featuring the region's premier sports partnership activation by an airline
- Increases frequencies across ASEAN, South Asia, Australia and New Zealand and Europe to further strengthen global connectivity
SINGAPORE, April 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Malaysia Airlines is significantly expanding its East Asia footprint with the return of direct flights to Fukuoka, Japan, and the launch of new services to Shenzhen and Changsha, China. Commencing between July and September 2026, these additions bring the airline's China network to nine key gateways and reinforce its commitment to providing greater travel flexibility across the region.
As part of this expansion, the airline will introduce new services between Kuala Lumpur and Shenzhen (SZX) and Changsha (CSX) in China, alongside the resumption of services to Fukuoka (FUK) in Japan, which the airline last operated in September 2006. With the launch of these destinations, Malaysia Airlines consolidates its presence across a total of nine strategic destinations in China, including Beijing (PKX), Shanghai (PVG), Guangzhou (CAN), Xiamen (XMN), Hong Kong (HKG), Taipei (TPE), and Chengdu Tianfu (TFU). Ticket sales for the new services commence today, supporting the growing travel demand and strengthening connectivity between Malaysia and these high-growth regional hubs.
Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar, President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), said, "This expansion reflects our strategic focus on scaling our presence in key growth markets across East Asia while cementing Kuala Lumpur's position as a key strategic gateway. Both Shenzhen and Changsha align perfectly with our network strategy, driven by robust demand across both business and leisure segments. The return to Fukuoka further enhances our network depth. As the only carrier operating direct flights on this route, we are proud to offer passengers a seamless non-stop experience that eliminates the need for transit. These developments demonstrate our ongoing commitment to optimising our network and delivering a more integrated travel experience for our customers."
Beyond the East Asia expansion, Malaysia Airlines is increasing flight frequencies across key routes namely Brisbane, Australia; Manila, Philippines and Colombo, Sri Lanka to meet rising demand while supporting growing tourism and trade links. In addition, the airline will operate ad-hoc Kuala Lumpur–London flights on 18 and 22 April 2026 to accommodate passengers affected by recent Middle Eastern carrier disruptions.
As the returning Official Airline Partner and Premier Sponsor of MATTA Fair 2026, MAG unveiled its most ambitious presence yet with the launch of the MAG Arena, recognised by both the Asia Records and ASEAN Records as Asia's Largest Airline Trade Pavilion at a consumer travel fair.
Spanning approximately 46,000 square feet, nearly three times the scale of its participation in September last year, the expanded pavilion transforms the MATTA Fair experience into a fully immersive destination showcasing curated experiences and next-generation travel technology that brings journeys to life before travellers even board the aircraft. Visitors will be able to explore destinations, discover travel innovations and experience the warmth of Malaysian Hospitality through interactive engagements designed to inspire their next journey.
In addition, the pavilion will host Asia's largest sports partnership activation by an airline, celebrating Malaysia Airlines' collaborations with global clubs like Manchester United and national sporting icons Datuk Azizulhasni Awang and others. The dedicated sports experience zone will allow football fans and travellers to engage with legends and their favourite sports personalities — reinforcing how sport and travel connect people across borders and generations.
Through the expansion of its network and increased flight frequencies, the airline continues to strengthen Kuala Lumpur's position as a key gateway to Asia and beyond, while supporting Malaysia's tourism ambitions under Visit Malaysia 2026 and advancing its journey towards becoming one of the world's Top 10 global airlines by 2030.
-ENDS-
New Routes
| Airline | Route | Frequency | Date Open for Sale | Inaugural Flight |
| Malaysia Airlines | Kuala Lumpur – Shenzhen (SZX) | 7x weekly (Mon-Sun) | 3 April 2026 | 1 July 2026 |
| Kuala Lumpur – Changsha (CSX) | 7x weekly (Mon-Sun) | 3 April 2026 | 8 July 2026 |
| Kuala Lumpur -Fukuoka (FUK) | 5x weekly (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun) | 3 April 2026 | 2 Sept 2026 |
Malaysia Airlines' Additional Frequencies
| Region | Route | Frequency (Before Increase) | Frequency
(After Increase) | Effective Date |
| Europe | KUL/London (LHR) | 14x weekly | 16x weekly | 18 & 22 Apr 2026 |
| Australia and New Zealand | KUL/Brisbane (BNE) vv | 5x weekly | 6x weekly 7x weekly | 16 Aug 2026 25 Oct 2026 |
| ASEAN | KUL/Manila (MNL) vv | 21x weekly | 28x weekly | 1 Jul 2026 |
| South Asia | KUL/Colombo (CMB) vv | 7x weekly | 8x weekly 9x weekly 10x weekly | 3 Apr 2026 3 May 2026 20 May 2026 |
About Malaysia Aviation Group
Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) is a global aviation organisation comprising three core business portfolios: Airline Business, Loyalty & Travel Services, and Aviation Services.
The Airline Business portfolio serves global, domestic, and segmented markets through Malaysia Airlines – the national carrier; Firefly – the regional airline focused on connecting communities across Malaysia and ASEAN; and Amal by Malaysia Airlines – the leading one-stop pilgrimage travel solutions centre.
The Aviation Services portfolio offers a full suite of capabilities, comprising MAB Engineering, the maintenance, repair and overhaul services provider; MASkargo, the cargo and logistics solutions provider; AeroDarat Services, the ground handling services provider; MAG Culinary Solutions, overseeing all F&B-related strategies, operations and services across MAG; and MAB Academy, the centre of excellence for aviation and hospitality training.
The Loyalty & Travel Services portfolio delivers end-to-end travel solutions and loyalty programmes, strengthening MAG's core expertise in airline and aviation services. It includes Journify – an integrated digital platform offering travel and lifestyle experiences; Enrich – Malaysia Airlines' award-winning travel and lifestyle loyalty programme; and MHholidays – the Group's dedicated flight and hotel package platform.
With its clear business portfolios, MAG is committed to realising its vision of becoming Asia's Leading Travel and Aviation Services Group by delivering exceptional customer experiences, nurturing a culture that empowers its people, and ensuring sustainable, profitable growth.
For more information, visit www.malaysiaaviationgroup.com.my
Issued by Group Communications, Malaysia Aviation Group.
- Resumes services to Fukuoka, Japan from September 2026 after nearly two decades
- Expands China footprint with new direct services to Shenzhen and Changsha, commencing July 2026
- "MAG Arena" showcases Asia's Largest Airline Pavilion at MATTA Fair 2026, featuring the region's premier sports partnership activation by an airline
- Increases frequencies across ASEAN, South Asia, Australia and New Zealand and Europe to further strengthen global connectivity
SINGAPORE, April 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Malaysia Airlines is significantly expanding its East Asia footprint with the return of direct flights to Fukuoka, Japan, and the launch of new services to Shenzhen and Changsha, China. Commencing between July and September 2026, these additions bring the airline's China network to nine key gateways and reinforce its commitment to providing greater travel flexibility across the region.
As part of this expansion, the airline will introduce new services between Kuala Lumpur and Shenzhen (SZX) and Changsha (CSX) in China, alongside the resumption of services to Fukuoka (FUK) in Japan, which the airline last operated in September 2006. With the launch of these destinations, Malaysia Airlines consolidates its presence across a total of nine strategic destinations in China, including Beijing (PKX), Shanghai (PVG), Guangzhou (CAN), Xiamen (XMN), Hong Kong (HKG), Taipei (TPE), and Chengdu Tianfu (TFU). Ticket sales for the new services commence today, supporting the growing travel demand and strengthening connectivity between Malaysia and these high-growth regional hubs.
Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar, President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), said, "This expansion reflects our strategic focus on scaling our presence in key growth markets across East Asia while cementing Kuala Lumpur's position as a key strategic gateway. Both Shenzhen and Changsha align perfectly with our network strategy, driven by robust demand across both business and leisure segments. The return to Fukuoka further enhances our network depth. As the only carrier operating direct flights on this route, we are proud to offer passengers a seamless non-stop experience that eliminates the need for transit. These developments demonstrate our ongoing commitment to optimising our network and delivering a more integrated travel experience for our customers."
Beyond the East Asia expansion, Malaysia Airlines is increasing flight frequencies across key routes namely Brisbane, Australia; Manila, Philippines and Colombo, Sri Lanka to meet rising demand while supporting growing tourism and trade links. In addition, the airline will operate ad-hoc Kuala Lumpur–London flights on 18 and 22 April 2026 to accommodate passengers affected by recent Middle Eastern carrier disruptions.
As the returning Official Airline Partner and Premier Sponsor of MATTA Fair 2026, MAG unveiled its most ambitious presence yet with the launch of the MAG Arena, recognised by both the Asia Records and ASEAN Records as Asia's Largest Airline Trade Pavilion at a consumer travel fair.
Spanning approximately 46,000 square feet, nearly three times the scale of its participation in September last year, the expanded pavilion transforms the MATTA Fair experience into a fully immersive destination showcasing curated experiences and next-generation travel technology that brings journeys to life before travellers even board the aircraft. Visitors will be able to explore destinations, discover travel innovations and experience the warmth of Malaysian Hospitality through interactive engagements designed to inspire their next journey.
In addition, the pavilion will host Asia's largest sports partnership activation by an airline, celebrating Malaysia Airlines' collaborations with global clubs like Manchester United and national sporting icons Datuk Azizulhasni Awang and others. The dedicated sports experience zone will allow football fans and travellers to engage with legends and their favourite sports personalities — reinforcing how sport and travel connect people across borders and generations.
Through the expansion of its network and increased flight frequencies, the airline continues to strengthen Kuala Lumpur's position as a key gateway to Asia and beyond, while supporting Malaysia's tourism ambitions under Visit Malaysia 2026 and advancing its journey towards becoming one of the world's Top 10 global airlines by 2030.
-ENDS-
New Routes
Airline
Route
Frequency
Date Open for Sale
Inaugural Flight
Malaysia Airlines
Kuala Lumpur –
Shenzhen (SZX)
7x weekly
(Mon-Sun)
3 April 2026
1 July 2026
Kuala Lumpur –
Changsha (CSX)
7x weekly
(Mon-Sun)
3 April 2026
8 July 2026
Kuala Lumpur -Fukuoka (FUK)
5x weekly
(Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun)
3 April 2026
2 Sept 2026
Malaysia Airlines' Additional Frequencies
| Region | Route | Frequency (Before Increase) | Frequency
(After Increase) | Effective Date |
| Europe | KUL/London (LHR) | 14x weekly | 16x weekly | 18 & 22 Apr 2026 |
| Australia and New Zealand | KUL/Brisbane (BNE) vv | 5x weekly | 6x weekly 7x weekly | 16 Aug 2026 25 Oct 2026 |
| ASEAN | KUL/Manila (MNL) vv | 21x weekly | 28x weekly | 1 Jul 2026 |
| South Asia | KUL/Colombo (CMB) vv | 7x weekly | 8x weekly 9x weekly 10x weekly | 3 Apr 2026 3 May 2026 20 May 2026 |
Region
Route
Frequency
(Before Increase)
Frequency
(After Increase)
Effective Date
Europe
KUL/London (LHR)
14x weekly
16x weekly
18 & 22 Apr 2026
Australia and New Zealand
KUL/Brisbane (BNE) vv
5x weekly
6x weekly 7x weekly
16 Aug 2026
25 Oct 2026
ASEAN
KUL/Manila
(MNL) vv
21x weekly
28x weekly
1 Jul 2026
South Asia
KUL/Colombo (CMB) vv
7x weekly
8x weekly
9x weekly 10x weekly
3 Apr 2026
3 May 2026
20 May 2026
About Malaysia Aviation Group
Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) is a global aviation organisation comprising three core business portfolios: Airline Business, Loyalty & Travel Services, and Aviation Services.
The Airline Business portfolio serves global, domestic, and segmented markets through Malaysia Airlines – the national carrier; Firefly – the regional airline focused on connecting communities across Malaysia and ASEAN; and Amal by Malaysia Airlines – the leading one-stop pilgrimage travel solutions centre.
The Aviation Services portfolio offers a full suite of capabilities, comprising MAB Engineering, the maintenance, repair and overhaul services provider; MASkargo, the cargo and logistics solutions provider; AeroDarat Services, the ground handling services provider; MAG Culinary Solutions, overseeing all F&B-related strategies, operations and services across MAG; and MAB Academy, the centre of excellence for aviation and hospitality training.
The Loyalty & Travel Services portfolio delivers end-to-end travel solutions and loyalty programmes, strengthening MAG's core expertise in airline and aviation services. It includes Journify – an integrated digital platform offering travel and lifestyle experiences; Enrich – Malaysia Airlines' award-winning travel and lifestyle loyalty programme; and MHholidays – the Group's dedicated flight and hotel package platform.
With its clear business portfolios, MAG is committed to realising its vision of becoming Asia's Leading Travel and Aviation Services Group by delivering exceptional customer experiences, nurturing a culture that empowers its people, and ensuring sustainable, profitable growth.
For more information, visit www.malaysiaaviationgroup.com.my
Issued by Group Communications, Malaysia Aviation Group.
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
Malaysia Airlines Strengthens East Asia Network with Return to Fukuoka, Launch of New Routes and Increased Frequencies Across Key Markets
