Shandong fast-tracks development of robotics industry

In August, at the 2025 World Humanoid Robot Games, "Xingzhe Taishan," a humanoid robot developed by Jinan-based Shandong Youbaote Intelligent Robot Co. Ltd., won first place in the 100-meter exhibition race and third place in the 4×100-meter relay final.

As the first humanoid robot developed in Shandong province, "Xingzhe Taishan" also possesses other capabilities, including lifelike humanoid movements, flexibility and balance, and basic environmental perception. It has been used for business reception, guided tours, sales, and scientific research and teaching.

"You can see that when it takes small steps, its feet turn slightly outward," said Zhou Tong, deputy general manager of the company, while demonstrating the robot.

"That's because the staff member who provided the walking data had the same gait, and the robot learned to imitate it," Zhou explained. The detail highlights the precision of the company's motion-learning system.

In addition to humanoid robots like "Xingzhe Taishan," the company — one of China's earliest developers of quadruped robots — has been active in this field since its founding in 2014. Several of its quadruped models have already been deployed across various scenarios, including power line inspection, emergency rescue, security patrols, and scientific research and teaching.

Such success has not only reflected the company's expertise in the robotics industry, but also formed a part of Shandong province's broader efforts to accelerate development of this sector.

"We have two development goals. One is to become a major national growth hub for robot research, development, and manufacturing. The second is to establish a new highland for innovative applications," said Chen Fei, director of the Department of Industry and Information Technology of Shandong Province, at a press conference on Shandong's high-quality development.

To achieve this ambition, Shandong has been pursuing full-chain development in the robotics sector, with more than 200 companies now operating across upstream and downstream segments of the industrial chain, covering design, research and development, and manufacturing.

In promoting full-scenario applications, Shandong has been advancing the Robotics Plus initiative, continuously expanding the use of robots in industrial production, smart agriculture, healthcare, and eldercare.

While accelerating the development of industrial robots, the province is also making service robots a key area of focus. "We look forward to seeing highly intelligent service robots made in Shandong enter millions of households soon," Chen said.

To support local robotics companies like Youbaote, the government has provided strong assistance in areas such as scenario matchmaking, investment facilitation, and talent recruitment.

For Youbaote, the next stage will focus on service robots, aligning with the province's strategic priorities.

"Youbaote plans to expand into more scenarios in the future, including eldercare companionship," said Fan Yong, chairman of the company. "Robotic nannies and caregivers are expected to become a reality in the near future."

"Our robots are developed to serve humans rather than replace them," Fan added. "They are designed to create more opportunities for both work and leisure."