Beijing Academy Launches Open-Source RoboBrain AI to Advance China’s Humanoid Robots

Beijing Academy Releases Open-Source RoboBrain AI Model for Humanoid Robots

The Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence (BAAI) has introduced a new open-source AI model, RoboBrain 2.0, aimed at enhancing the intelligence and capabilities of humanoid robots in China. This move supports the country’s push to advance its robotics industry by addressing current limitations in model performance and training data availability.

BAAI’s head, Wang Zhongyuan, presented RoboBrain 2.0 during the institute’s annual conference in Beijing, highlighting the model as the most powerful open-source AI system specifically created for diverse robotic applications, including humanoid machines. The model’s release aligns with the rapid growth of the Chinese robotics sector and positions BAAI as a key contributor in this space.

Key Improvements in RoboBrain 2.0

RoboBrain 2.0 offers notable upgrades over its predecessor, delivering:

• 17% faster processing speeds
• 74% higher accuracy in task execution
• Advanced spatial intelligence for precise perception of object distances
• Enhanced task planning that enables robots to autonomously break down complex tasks into manageable steps

These improvements help robots better understand and interact with their environment, increasing their efficiency and reliability in performing various functions.

Wujie Model Series and Related Platforms

The RoboBrain model is part of BAAI’s Wujie series, which also includes RoboOS 2.0, a cloud platform designed for distributing robotics AI models, and Emu3, a multimodal AI capable of processing and generating text, images, and videos. Together, these tools support the development and deployment of smarter robots across different applications.

Collaborations and Industry Impact

BAAI is actively collaborating with over 20 leading companies in the robotics sector and is open to expanding its partnerships. This network aims to accelerate innovation and the practical use of humanoid robots in China.

Other organizations are pursuing similar goals. For example, the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Centre, known for its Tien Kung humanoid robot, introduced a “universal embodied AI platform” called Hui Si Kai Wu earlier this year. The centre envisions this platform as a foundational operating system for humanoid robots, comparable to the role Android plays in smartphones.

Strategic Developments and Challenges

BAAI has played a pioneering role in open-source large language models that drive generative AI chatbots. Many of its former researchers have founded AI startups, contributing to the growth of China’s AI ecosystem.

However, in March, the US government added BAAI to its Entity List, restricting its access to American technology. Wang Zhongyuan criticized this move and has been lobbying for its reversal.

Additionally, BAAI announced a strategic partnership with the Hong Kong Investment Corporation to combine talent, technology, and capital. This partnership aims to boost innovation and entrepreneurship within the AI sector.

Industry Engagement at BAAI Conference

The seventh annual BAAI Conference attracted over 100 AI scientists and 200 industry experts globally. Representatives from major Chinese technology firms such as Baidu, Huawei Technologies, and Tencent Holdings attended, alongside startups including Unitree Robotics, Zhipu AI, and Shengshu AI. This gathering highlights the growing interest and collaboration in AI-powered robotics development across China.

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