Innovation in Shenzhen: A Driving Force for the Asia-Pacific
Innovation stands as one of the three crucial priorities for APEC China 2026. In Shenzhen, the city has cultivated an environment where a nascent idea can rapidly find the necessary hardware within a mere 30 minutes, a phenomenon entrepreneurs aptly describe as “Shenzhen speed.” Historically propelled by its extensive supply chains, Shenzhen’s technological landscape is now increasingly powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and embodied intelligence, serving as new engines for both technological advancement and industrial development.
While robots performing intricate dances are a common sight, one embodied intelligence company in Shenzhen is focused on a more profound objective: developing general-purpose robots capable of tackling real-world challenges. This company is engineering machines equipped with highly dexterous hands and an advanced AI-powered “brain.” These robots are currently undergoing training for a diverse range of everyday tasks, including folding clothes, clearing tables, and collecting rubbish. Central to their development is the company’s open-source World Unified Model, which enables these robots to comprehend and interact with their physical surroundings effectively.
“Thanks to government-supported projects, our robots have been deployed in elderly care centers in Shenzhen to assist people with disabilities. These are highly complex environments with very demanding requirements for interaction and safety. Our ‘Robots in Homes’ project has been recognized as a best practice in the Asia-Pacific region,” stated Xu Menghong, Director of Strategy and Investment at X Square Robots.
Concurrently, another innovative Shenzhen-based firm is supplying manufacturers globally with an artificial intelligence-powered “brain.” Their flagship product, IndustryGPT, is engineered to empower machines to transcend basic “vision,” facilitating deeper understanding, sophisticated reasoning, and autonomous action capabilities.
By the close of last year, this company had extended its services to over 730 leading enterprises worldwide, establishing a significant customer base across the Asia-Pacific region.
“Whether they are large language models, AI agents, or AI-based products, they will become increasingly easier to use and more accessible. This will enable companies that previously could not easily access industrial AI to benefit from it. This is undoubtedly the future trend,” commented Shi Xiaoliang, Director of Product R&D at SmartMore.
As APEC China 2026 emphasizes innovation as a regional priority, Shenzhen is set to showcase how its robust technology and industrial ecosystem can effectively bridge businesses, markets, and people throughout the Asia-Pacific region, fostering greater connectivity and collaboration.
Last Updated on August 13, 2026 9:53 pm by Juhasz “the Mage” Gabor | Published on August 13, 2026 by Juhasz “the Mage” Gabor
