MIIT and SASAC Launch 2026 Humanoid Robot Real-Scene Training Initiative

China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) have jointly issued a notice launching the 2026 Humanoid Robot and Embodied AI Real-Scene Training Special Action, marking a significant policy push for the practical deployment of humanoid robots across industrial, service, and specialized sectors. The initiative sets an ambitious target: by the end of 2026, humanoid robots and related key products should complete application verification and routine deployment in representative real-world scenarios, effectively entering an "operation mode." The action plan aims to identify over 100 high-value application scenarios and establish the capability for ten-thousand-unit-scale deployment. Under the framework, provincial-level authorities are required to select at least 20 key scenario units covering at least two of the three priority domains — industrial, service, and specialized fields. Central state-owned enterprises must identify at least 10 key scenarios within their respective industries. A core component of the initiative is the formation of Innovation Application Consortia, bringing together end-users, robot manufacturers, algorithm developers, supply chain companies, and research institutions for each scenario. These consortia will focus on advancing scenario understanding, task planning, operational execution, human-machine collaboration, and continuous learning capabilities. The notice emphasizes the development of practical skill packages through real-scenario training, requiring consortia to benchmark against actual job competency requirements. It also calls for high-quality embodied AI datasets covering motion trajectories, force-position control curves, and task execution sequences. Financial support mechanisms are outlined, including equity investment, debt financing, and insurance products to provide full-chain financial services. Provincial authorities are encouraged to explore local policy frameworks to accelerate humanoid robot and embodied AI development and deployment. The action plan represents the most comprehensive government-led push for humanoid robot industrialization in China to date, signaling strong policy commitment to establishing China as a leader in embodied AI technology and deployment.