China advances embodied intelligence with self-reliant AI infrastructure

China's push for greater self-reliance in embodied intelligence is extending to the underlying computing stack, as domestic developers work to close gaps in the chips, operating systems and control architectures that translate artificial intelligence into smooth physical action.

At the just-concluded 2026 World Robot Conference in Beijing, Shanghai-based MScape Technology presented two product routes built on its self-developed Dvorak ultra-heterogeneous computing architecture. The N series uses Nvidia computing chips and is designed for broad compatibility with mainstream hardware and software, while its T series uses domestic chips as a more self-reliant option.

"The essential difference is the source of computing power," said Sun Bo, founder and CEO of MScape Technology, adding that the two routes are intended to be complementary rather than simple substitutes.

"The N series gives robot makers a path to faster deployment using familiar tools, while the T series seeks to bring more of the underlying stack, from chips to the operating system, under domestic control," Sun said.

At this year's WRC, the company released its T300 "brain" for decision-making and the T81 "cerebellum" for motion control for humanoid robots, aiming to fill the domestic gap in self-developed embodied intelligence infrastructure.

The domestic route addresses a weakness identified at the national level. A previous guideline from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said China still had gaps in key basic components, operating systems, complete robot products and the broader industrial system. It called for advances in robot "brain", "cerebellum" and limb technologies, and a secure, reliable supply chain by 2027.

Sun said China is currently ahead in embodied intelligence, particularly in translating technology into industrial applications. Developing a domestic solution, he said, is a gradual process that depends on accumulated know-how and a steadily refined architecture.

"We are not pursuing localization for localization's sake, nor are we asking for 100 percent localization," Sun said, adding that the company instead aims to draw on useful ideas from China and overseas suppliers while gradually building its own intellectual property and solutions.

The senior executive also pointed to a shift on the exhibition floor, as domestic humanoids move from early demonstrations to real-life applications.

"This year, many exhibitors were no longer showing off technical tricks, they brought scenarios that can be deployed directly," Sun said. He added that logistics, inspection and hazardous or repetitive operations were among the settings where customers could already calculate a return on investment.

Company disclosures offer an early measure of adoption. MScape Technology said more than 200 customers have completed batch installations or placed small-batch orders across its products, with the largest single-customer order exceeding 1,000 units.