China pushes for industrial standards to accelerate humanoid robotics, embodied AI development

China has been working to establish industrial standards for humanoid robots and embodied artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to facilitate dataset sharing and reuse across the industry in order to accelerate industrial development and promote technological application.

While humanoid robots and embodied AI are undergoing rapid growth in China, the lack of unified industrial standards has made it difficult for open-source datasets to be shared among producers, largely due to the wide diversity of robot configurations.

"The formats of datasets for embodied AI are currently inconsistent and not standardized, leading different parties to develop their own isolated systems. This makes it difficult to accumulate high-quality datasets effectively. The lack of high-quality data, in turn, prevents the development of robot models from making breakthroughs. Only when datasets are standardized can high-quality data truly enhance embodied AI models across all types of robot configurations in the industry," said Wang Zhongyuan, president of the Beijing Academy of AI (BAAI).

In February, China took a significant step toward regulating its rapidly growing humanoid robotics industry, with the release of the country's first national standard system covering the entire industrial chain and lifecycle of humanoid robots and embodied AI.

The standard system, unveiled at the annual meeting of Humanoid Robots and Embodied Intelligence Standardization (HEIS) in Beijing, comprises six key components: basic commonality, brain-like and intelligent computing, limbs and components, complete machines and systems, application, and safety and ethics.

An initial list of 52 key standards was also released during the meeting.

"The 52 standards we've released this year are, to put it metaphorically, just like a thatched shed. Perhaps by next year, with the release of several hundred standards, we will gradually turn it into a solid house, and eventually into a villa. Only then will the industry become truly robust," said Jiang Lei, deputy director of the HEIS technical committee under the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

China pushes for industrial standards to accelerate humanoid robotics, embodied AI development

Scenic spots across China have seen an influx of tourists during the ongoing Qingming Festival holiday, attracted by breathtaking spring scenery and a variety of entertainment activities.

Falling on April 5 this year, the Qingming Festival, or the Tomb-Sweeping Day, is a traditional Chinese festival for honoring the deceased and paying tributes to ancestors. The three-day holiday from Saturday to Monday also provides a short break for Chinese citizens to enjoy outdoor activities and sightseeing in pleasant springtime temperatures.

In Beijing, flowers are in full bloom in many parks, drawing large crowds of visitors to capture the beauty on camera.

"The flowers are now in full bloom and this is one of the most beautiful seasons in Beijing. The weather is lovely, and it's a holiday. I'm in a great mood spending time with my family, and my child is also very happy," said Zheng, a visitor.

In Luanping County, north China's Hebei Province, the magnificent Jinshanling section of the Great Wall and apricot blossoms dotting the surrounding mountains create a stunning, picturesque scene, attracting many tourists to enjoy the breathtaking view.

In Nanchang, large expanses of blooming cherry blossoms have also drawn many visitors to the Jiangxi Academy of Forestry.

The academy has planted multiple varieties of cherry blossoms, allowing visitors not only to enjoy a spring outing and admire the flowers, but also learn about plant science.

"A large stretch of cherry blossoms has bloomed along the lake. When the wind blows, the cherry blossoms flutter down like snow. It's incredibly romantic," said Xiao Yuxin, a tourist.

During the holiday, the Bashan Grand Canyon Scenic Area in Dazhou, southwest China's Sichuan Province, has designed a series of fun and immersive experience activities, allowing tourists to fully engage with the local culture and customs.

Spring scenery, fun activities draw crowds to scenic spots in China during Qingming Festival holiday