Humanoid robots to get real-world practice in China’s droid-friendly city zone

China is planning to open its first robot-friendly demonstration zone as service robots become more common in urban facilities.

Shenzhen, in Guangdong Province, unveiled a framework for the zone during the 2025 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Industry Conference that concluded on Dec 14, reports Chinese media outlets.

Authorities introduced the Guangdong Embodied Intelligence Training Ground “1+1+N” framework, detailing coordinated steps to develop provincial-level training grounds for embodied intelligent robots.

The initiative aims to create urban spaces that enable seamless interaction between humans and robots, advancing the integration of AI and robotics.

Recently, China’s Unitree Robotics launched the world’s first humanoid robot app store, allowing users to control and expand their robots via their phones.

Robot training network

The “1+1+N” framework establishes a structured network for developing embodied intelligence in Guangdong Province.

According to China Daily Brief, at its core is the Guangdong Province Embodied Intelligence Training Ground, comprising a main training ground and a management center. Complementing this is the Shenzhen Embodied Intelligence Demonstration Zone, designed to become China’s first robot-friendly urban district. Here, robots will transition from closed training environments to open, on-street practice in neighborhood blocks, enabling them to operate effectively in real-world scenarios.

The “N” component consists of multiple specialized sub-training grounds across various cities and sectors. These platforms will work closely with local governments and industries, addressing specific challenges, sharing resources, and fostering joint innovation to enhance the capabilities of the main training ground. This collaborative approach ensures that humanoid robots are trained in diverse, practical contexts while supporting regional industry needs.

The training network is seen as a key infrastructure for advancing the field of humanoid robotics. It provides tailored, scenario-based training for applications in intelligent manufacturing, public services, and other fields, accelerating technological development and industry adoption.

According to Global Times (GT), by integrating demonstration zones, sub-training grounds, and the provincial hub, the system promotes innovation, strengthens enterprise collaboration, and helps unlock the full potential of robots in urban and industrial environments, driving the growth of China’s embodied intelligence ecosystem.

AI industry surge

Guangdong Province has emerged as a leading hub for robotics and AI in China, offering a highly autonomous industrial ecosystem, strong large-scale manufacturing capacity, and diverse real-world application scenarios.

GT reports that in recent years, the province has implemented targeted policies to accelerate the robotics sector.

In March 2025, Guangdong released the “Several Measures for Promoting the Innovative Development of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Industry in Guangdong Province,” outlining 12 initiatives, including breakthroughs in core technologies, expanding application scenarios, and establishing manufacturing innovation centers and industrial funds. National-level centers can receive up to 50 million yuan ($7.08 million) in financial support.

Statistics highlight Guangdong’s dominance in China’s robotics industry. In 2024, the province’s AI core industry reached approximately 220 billion yuan ($31 billion), rising to over 230 billion yuan ($32.4 billion) from January to October 2025.

Guangdong produces more than 40 percent of the country’s industrial robots and 80 percent of service robots. Between January and October 2025, production totaled around 260,200 industrial robots and 12.84 million service robots, according to GT.

Investment and commercial activity are accelerating. UBTECH Robotics secured major orders worth 90.51 million yuan ($12.7 million) in July and 250 million yuan ($35.2 million) in September, setting global records in humanoid robotics contracts.

Supported by technological advancement and policy backing, China’s humanoid robot industry is expanding rapidly, with the embodied intelligence market projected at 5.295 billion yuan and the humanoid robot market at 8.239 billion yuan in 2025, capturing significant shares of global markets.