In a major leap toward global leadership in robotics innovation, China has introduced RoboBrain 2.0—a powerful open-source AI model developed to serve as the brain for humanoid robots.
The launch was announced on Friday by the Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence (BAAI) at its annual conference in the Chinese capital. BAAI, a top non-profit research body, said the new model represents a key advancement in China’s growing robotics industry.
Described by BAAI director Wang Zhongyuan as the most advanced open-source AI model specifically built for robots, RoboBrain 2.0 enhances a machine’s ability to understand space and plan complex tasks. Compared to its predecessor, introduced just three months prior, this version is 17% faster and boasts a 74% increase in precision.
“We’re currently working with over 20 top firms and welcome new partnerships to expand the embodied intelligence ecosystem,” Wang said during the event at the Zhiyuan Institute, BAAI’s Beijing base.
The model’s upgraded spatial awareness allows robots to better interpret their surroundings and measure distances, while its improved planning logic enables them to break down complex jobs into smaller, manageable actions.
RoboBrain 2.0 forms part of BAAI’s broader Wujie AI suite, which also features RoboOS 2.0—a cloud-based robotics platform—and Emu3, a multimodal engine capable of handling text, imagery, and video.
The unveiling comes amid fierce competition in China’s robotics sector. Earlier this year, the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center launched Hui Si Kai Wu, a general-purpose robot operating system likened to Android for humanoid bots. The center gained global attention in April when its robot, Tien Kung, completed a half-marathon in Beijing alongside human participants.
Despite being placed on the U.S. Entity List in March—limiting its access to American tech—BAAI continues to thrive. Wang criticized the move as “a mistake” and called for a reversal.
In a demonstration of its ongoing ambition, BAAI announced a strategic alliance with the Hong Kong Investment Corporation to support innovation through joint efforts in talent development, tech sharing, and venture funding.
This year’s conference attracted more than 100 global AI scientists and 200+ industry professionals, with representation from major Chinese tech giants like Baidu, Huawei, and Tencent, as well as emerging robotics companies including Unitree Robotics, Zhipu AI, and Shengshu AI.
As China intensifies efforts to commercialize humanoid robots, BAAI’s open-source strategy may play a pivotal role in expanding access to advanced AI systems and fostering the next wave of intelligent automation.
