Unitree bets embodied AI leap will drive next wave of global investment
Unitree founder says the shift from screen-based AI to real-world machines could unlock a far larger economic wave than today’s tech boom
The global frenzy around embodied intelligence is still in its infancy and could ultimately surpass the impact of the mobile internet, according to the founder of Chinese robotics pioneer Unitree Robotics.
Wang Xingxing, the company’s CEO, told state broadcaster CCTV in an interview scheduled to air on Saturday that the sector remained in a “climbing phase” rather than nearing a peak.
Embodied intelligence refers to AI embedded in physical machines, such as robots, that can sense their environment, make decisions and act in the real world.
“If there are breakthroughs in embodied AI models and robotics technology that can truly be applied at scale in the coming years, the heat could be 100 or even 1,000 times higher than it is now,” Wang said. “I believe this will far surpass the mobile internet era.”
Wang’s bullish outlook comes as China enters the first year of its 15th five-year plan, which identifies embodied intelligence and robotics as new growth engines.