Shanghai is poised to become the epicenter of embodied intelligence innovation as it prepares to host the Global Developer Pioneers Summit 2025 alongside the International Embodied Intelligence Competition. The event, taking place December 12-14 at Zhangjiang Science Hall in Pudong New Area, will showcase groundbreaking advancements in rescue robotics technology that could revolutionize disaster response operations worldwide.
The competition’s centerpiece will feature autonomous robots navigating a complex 30-square-meter simulated disaster environment designed to test their operational capabilities in extreme conditions. These advanced machines will demonstrate remarkable physical prowess by transporting heavy supplies exceeding 40 kilograms, traversing rubble obstacles 30 centimeters high, and climbing stairs 25 centimeters tall. Unlike conventional remotely operated vehicles, these robots possess sophisticated sensory systems that enable autonomous environmental perception and interaction.
A distinguished roster of participants includes teams from Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Unitree Robotics, and Siasun Robot and Automation. The competing robots exhibit exceptional mechanical capabilities, with some models generating joint torque up to 360 Newton-meters and maintaining stability on inclines of 25-30 degrees.
Beyond physical demonstrations, the event will highlight the robots’ reconnaissance functionalities, serving as critical ‘second eyes’ for human commanders. Developed through the National and Local Co-Built Humanoid Robotics Innovation Center, these systems can process and transmit vital environmental data, including precise measurements of narrow passages for navigation assessment.
Shanghai’s substantial investment in embodied intelligence research reflects the growing recognition of robots’ potential to operate in high-risk environments instead of human responders. The city has established an ambitious 100 billion yuan ($14.16 billion) industry fund to accelerate development in this sector. The Pudong-based Innovation Center functions as the central hub for this research, providing comprehensive training and testing facilities for next-generation robotics.
Additionally, Shanghai is implementing a comprehensive artificial intelligence initiative that leverages large-scale models to transform various aspects of urban infrastructure and daily life. The summit will also feature a flower arrangement competition designed to showcase the robots’ delicate manipulation capabilities, highlighting the versatility of embodied intelligence applications.