Chinese Universities Launch Embodied Intelligence Majors for Robotics Talent
- tech360.tv
- 8 minutes ago
- 2 min read
China's top universities are launching new undergraduate courses in embodied intelligence to cultivate talent for the rapidly expanding robotics industry. This initiative aims to bolster Beijing's ambition to lead the global robotics sector.
Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Zhejiang University are among seven prestigious institutions recently approved by China's education ministry to introduce "embodied intelligence" as a new major. This programme is a direct response to a national strategy identifying embodied intelligence as a key focus area for the future.
The education ministry stated this new curriculum addresses urgent national needs. Existing artificial intelligence and engineering programmes often lack the systematic, interdisciplinary integration required to prepare students for real-world challenges in the embodied intelligence industry, according to Shanghai Jiao Tong University's application document.
Professor Lu Cewu, a renowned robotics expert at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, leads the department. Chinese universities are actively collaborating with technology giants and humanoid robot firms to provide specialised talent and secure future employment for graduates.
For instance, Xian Jiaotong University expects that five out of 30 graduating students will find employment with companies such as Huawei Technologies, BYD, and UBTech Robotics. These collaborations underscore the industry's demand for skilled professionals.
A total of seven institutions plan to recruit approximately 330 students for the initial cohort of this new course. The Beijing Institute of Technology anticipates enrolling 120 students, the highest number among all participating universities.
Embodied intelligence is a branch of artificial intelligence that involves a physical body learning through interaction with the real world. Government support has significantly fuelled industry interest in embodied intelligence and humanoid robots, attracting major tech companies and new robotics start-ups like Unitree.
Despite this growing interest, a severe talent shortage impedes the industry's progress. Chief Technology Officer Li Chao of Hangzhou-based Deep Robotics cited this dearth of talent as a major obstacle to commercialising the company's research and development efforts.
The number of new job openings for embodied intelligence roles surged by 73% in the third quarter, a faster growth rate than the 55% seen in the broader artificial intelligence industry. This data comes from a report by Chinese recruitment agency Liepin.
The Liepin report also indicated that the average annual salary for embodied intelligence positions reached 333,400 yuan (USD 47,120). This figure is higher than the average annual salary of 290,900 yuan for general artificial intelligence-related jobs.
Chinese universities are launching new undergraduate courses in embodied intelligence.
Seven institutions, including Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Zhejiang University, will offer the new major.
These programmes aim to address a significant talent shortage in the rapidly growing robotics industry
Source: SCMP