Leading the Development of International Standards for Humanoid Robots: Beijing Institute of Mechanical Industry Automation Advances Smart Manufacturing for Industry Upgrades

Leading the Development of International Standards for Humanoid Robots

On April 28, 2026, the first international standard for humanoid robot datasets, spearheaded by China within the International Organization for Standardization’s robotics technical committee, was officially initiated. This marks a significant breakthrough for China in two critical areas: the establishment of international standards for humanoid robots and gaining leadership in the international working group on robotics standards.

The Beijing Mechanical Industry Automation Research Institute Co., Ltd. (referred to as Beijing Automation Institute) is the convening organization for this international standard. As a benchmark in the industry, the Beijing Automation Institute has led the development of over 410 national-level standards across various fields. Through deep practical engagement in research platforms, key laboratories, and industrial production sites, the institute exemplifies the responsibilities and commitments of a technology-driven central enterprise to advance industrial development and innovate for the nation.

Founded in 1954, the Beijing Automation Institute is a core state-owned enterprise that leads the automation, informatization, intelligentization, and integration of technological innovations and industrial development in China’s equipment manufacturing sector. Wang Zhenlin, the institute’s Party Secretary and Chairman, highlighted that the organization has long focused on researching and applying critical technologies for automation and intelligence in manufacturing. Its operations span seven major fields of intelligent manufacturing: intelligent management software, intelligent monitoring systems, specialized intelligent equipment, intelligent production lines, smart logistics equipment, materials and components, and technical services.

With a solid foundation in technology and engineering experience, the Beijing Automation Institute serves numerous industries, including logistics, automotive, metallurgy, petrochemicals, machinery, electronics, energy, and aerospace. The institute customizes comprehensive digital workshop solutions based on differentiated needs in specific sectors, providing integrated intelligent equipment and control systems that promote the full automation, digitalization, and intelligent upgrading of production processes, thus assisting manufacturing enterprises in reducing carbon emissions and enhancing quality and efficiency.

As one of the earliest research institutions in China to engage in the development of automated logistics technology, the Beijing Automation Institute has been tackling core technologies in intelligent warehousing logistics since the 1970s. It has accumulated extensive experience in system design and engineering implementation, successfully completing over a thousand automated logistics system projects that cover the entire chain of production logistics, distribution logistics, and large-scale comprehensive logistics centers.

Wang Zhenlin noted that the institute continues to increase its investment in technological innovation, maintaining a research and development expenditure ratio of no less than 6% annually. Leveraging several national-level innovation platforms, including the National Engineering Research Center for Manufacturing Automation and the High-Performance Hydraulic Components Technology Innovation Center, the institute is strengthening its authoritative testing capabilities through the National Hydraulic Components Quality Inspection and Testing Center and the Ion Beam Surface Engineering Laboratory. It focuses on overcoming key core technologies in high-end equipment intelligence and the localization of industrial software, achieving significant breakthroughs in areas like the surface manufacturing and remanufacturing of irregular parts.

Looking ahead, the Beijing Automation Institute aims to align its efforts with the national strategic emerging industries and future industrial development layout, concentrating on key sectors such as industrial software, integrated circuits, and industrial mother machines. In the field of robot development, it will move away from generalized and competitive research directions, focusing instead on specific industrial production scenarios and operations to customize humanoid robots that address practical challenges in manufacturing. The institute is also actively undertaking national-level key research tasks.

In terms of artificial intelligence, Wang Zhenlin proposed a “1+3+N” framework, which will solidify the technological foundation for intelligence. By leveraging artificial intelligence to empower factory planning and design, as well as intelligent production line development, the institute aims to inject new momentum into the construction of automated production lines and smart factories.

In the realm of digital twins, the Beijing Automation Institute’s core technical achievements have received national awards. This technology enables bi-directional connectivity between physical and virtual spaces, allowing for equipment debugging, hazard prediction, and process optimization through virtual simulation, which can then be applied in real-world workshops. This effectively shortens debugging cycles, mitigates production risks, and reduces operating costs.

In response to the practical application needs of industrial control systems, the institute is concurrently developing composite humanoid robots featuring an innovative design that combines humanoid arms with a wheeled chassis, highly adaptable to complex industrial operation scenarios. Wang Zhenlin stated that the Beijing Automation Institute will continue to focus on its core responsibilities, striving to become a comprehensive provider of integrated intelligent manufacturing solutions across the entire value chain, committing to deepening practical industry engagement and aiming to build a lasting presence in the sector, thereby contributing to the high-quality development of manufacturing.