SHANGHAI— In a bold strategic move to dominate the future of robotics, China has inaugurated its first large-scale, state-of-the-art training facility dedicated to molding “world-leading” humanoid robots. The center, officially known as the Humanoid Robot Kylin Training Ground, marks a critical escalation in Beijing’s race for technological superiority, directly challenging global rivals in artificial intelligence (AI) and automation.
Factory Floor to Future Workforce
Launched in Shanghai, this groundbreaking complex is currently capable of training over 100 heterogeneous humanoid robots simultaneously across its sprawling 53,800-square-foot facility. By 2027, the center aims to scale up, simultaneously training an astonishing 1,000 general-purpose robots. This infrastructure is not merely for research; it is designed to build the workforce of tomorrow, with the goal of large-scale commercial application within three to five years.
The facility focuses on rigorous, real-world instruction, featuring over a dozen specialized training scenarios that mimic complex industrial environments, including welding, manufacturing, and automotive testing. Through advanced optical capture systems, the robots undergo comprehensive movement data collection, mastering delicate hand movements and full-body dynamics. This intense “boot camp” process generates a staggering 30,000 to 50,000 pieces of high-quality data daily.
Strategic Rationale: Tech Rivalry and Aging Society
The colossal investment in the Kylin Training Ground is a direct response to two major national challenges. Firstly, it positions China at the forefront of the intense global tech competition, particularly against the United States, cementing its commitment to becoming a global leader in AI. Secondly, and domestically, the rapid deployment of humanoid robots is seen as a crucial solution to mitigate the complex challenges posed by China’s aging society and shrinking labor pool.
The drive is already yielding results. Robots trained at the facility have demonstrated exceptional proficiency, showcasing an average success rate exceeding 90% in tasks ranging from organizing items and sorting to operating complex equipment. Furthermore, the Chinese humanoid robot market is experiencing explosive growth, with industry reports predicting its value will reach $16.7 billion in 2025.
The facility has promised further innovation, including the unveiling of the “Deep Snake” 2.0 humanoid robot, which will feature advanced linear joint actuators for smoother, more precise movements. This rapid development pace underscores China’s commitment to not just building robots, but mastering the embodied intelligence required to make them versatile and truly functional in unfamiliar real-world settings.
The Kylin Training Ground is key to China’s ambitious strategy to reshape its industrial capabilities and lead the next global automation revolution.
Source : Tech in China
