The media reported on China's plans to invest more than $1 billion in 8.5 thousand robots.

The State Grid Corporation of China will allocate 6.8 billion yuan (about $1 billion) in 2026 for the acquisition of about 8.5 thousand robots with artificial intelligence. This was reported on April 24 by the South China Morning Post (SCMP) newspaper.

The corporation plans to purchase 5,000 robot dogs, which will be used to inspect substations, power transmission lines and other energy infrastructure facilities located mainly in mountainous areas.

In addition, an "army of humanoid and two-armed robots" will be deployed to perform other tasks, including servicing China's rapidly developing ultra-high-voltage power grid.

Of the total investment, 5.8 billion yuan will be allocated for the purchase of equipment, and the remainder for research, development and staff training.

The robots will be purchased from leading Chinese companies such as Unitree, DeepRobotics, AgiBot, UBTech and Fourier.

According to the publication, taking into account similar plans of other Chinese energy companies, including China Southern Power Grid, the total investment in robotic intelligent solutions in the Chinese energy sector in 2026 may exceed 10 billion yuan (about $1.46 billion).

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On August 1, SCMP announced that the Xueba 01 humanoid robot in China has entered graduate school for the first time. It is noted that the robot received a virtual student ID, and the famous Shanghai artist and professor Yang Qingqing became his mentor.