Beijing launches AI ‘RoboBrain' to power next generation of humanoid robots
Humanoid robot "Tiangong" participates along with human runners in the E-Town Half Marathon & Humanoid Robot Half Marathon in Beijing, China April, 19 2025. PHOTO: REUTERS
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China has taken a significant step forward in its race to lead global robotics innovation with the unveiling of RoboBrain 2.0 — an open-source artificial intelligence model designed to serve as the cognitive core of humanoid robots.
The model was launched on Friday by the Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence (BAAI), a leading non-profit research institution, during its annual conference in the Chinese capital. The release marks a milestone in China's efforts to build smarter and more autonomous machines for its fast-growing robotics sector.
Described by BAAI director Wang Zhongyuan as the world's most powerful open-source AI model tailored for robotics, RoboBrain 2.0 promises to enhance a robot's spatial perception and task-planning capabilities. Compared to its earlier version introduced just three months ago, the upgraded model is reported to operate 17% faster and with 74% higher accuracy.
'Currently, we are partnering with over 20 leading companies and are open to new collaborations to drive growth in the embodied intelligence industry,' Wang told attendees at the Zhiyuan Institute — BAAI's local moniker.
The enhanced spatial intelligence enables robots to more accurately interpret their surroundings and judge distances, while improved planning algorithms allow them to autonomously deconstruct complex tasks into simpler, executable steps.
RoboBrain 2.0 is part of BAAI's broader Wujie model suite, which also includes RoboOS 2.0 — a cloud-based distribution platform for robotics AI — and Emu3, a multimodal system capable of processing and generating text, images, and video.
The model's launch comes amid intensifying competition in China's robotics landscape. Earlier this year, the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Centre introduced its own general-purpose platform, Hui Si Kai Wu, which it envisions as the Android equivalent for humanoid robots. The centre made headlines in April after its Tien Kung humanoid robot completed a half-marathon in Beijing.
BAAI has emerged as a pioneer in open-source large language models and has played a key role in China's generative AI boom. Many of its alumni have gone on to found successful AI start-ups. Despite being added to the US Entity List in March — which restricts access to American technology — the institute continues to push forward, with Wang calling the decision 'a mistake' and lobbying for its reversal.
In a show of resilience and ambition, BAAI also announced a new strategic partnership with the Hong Kong Investment Corporation to promote innovation through joint initiatives in talent development, technology exchange, and venture capital.
This year's BAAI Conference drew more than 100 global AI researchers and over 200 industry experts, including leaders from major Chinese tech firms such as Baidu, Huawei, and Tencent, alongside robotics-focused start-ups like Unitree Robotics, Zhipu AI, and Shengshu AI.
As China accelerates its quest to develop commercially viable humanoid robots, BAAI's open-source approach could help democratise access to high-performing AI systems — and set the foundation for a new generation of intelligent machines.
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