Li Qiang Emphasizes AI-Powered Manufacturing, Promotes Smart Robot Development

Chinese Premier Li Qiang highlighted smart robots as key to integrating AI and advanced manufacturing, urging comprehensive AI empowerment in manufacturing to foster new economic growth drivers.

Tue May 19 2026

China Accelerates AI Transformation in Manufacturing with Smart Robots

During his inspection tour in Beijing, Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized that smart robots are crucial for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced manufacturing. Premier Li stressed the need to actively promote the iteration and upgrade of smart robots and to deepen AI empowerment across the manufacturing sector to cultivate new economic growth drivers. This statement signifies that smart robots have become a pivotal policy objective in China's 'AI+Manufacturing' strategy.

Policy Support and Focus on Core Component Localization

Li Qiang highlighted the vast development potential of the smart robot industry, advocating for the utilization of support policies such as large-scale equipment upgrades and first-set equipment. He also called for government departments and state-owned enterprises to open up application scenarios, supporting the accelerated large-scale application of smart robots while ensuring safety. In terms of the industrial chain, Li Qiang demanded continuous strengthening of basic research, breakthroughs in key core technologies, and exploration of cutting-edge technologies. This includes innovations in complete products, critical components, and intelligent decision-making and control systems. Analysts point out that humanoid robots, industrial robots, servo systems, reducers, sensors, and controllers will become focal points for policy and funding, with the localization of key components and the enhancement of embodied AI capabilities being central to industrial upgrading.

*Source: 富聯網 (2026-05-19)*

Tags: #China #AI #Smart Robots #Manufacturing #Li Qiang