China's National and Regional Embodied Intelligence Robotics Innovation Center launched the Tiangong Open Source Initiative on Monday, aiming to propel humanoid robotics forward by making crucial technologies widely accessible. 

The initiative, which opens up robot body designs, datasets, and motion control systems, invites universities, research institutions, and companies around the world to contribute and innovate on a shared foundation.

The Tiangong project, first introduced in Beijing in April 2023, gained attention for the robot's ability to mimic human-like movements and maintain stability over varied terrains. The new open-source models are Tiangong LITE, which features enhanced movement capabilities, and Tiangong PRO, equipped with advanced hand dexterity and strength. With open access to Tiangong's technologies, researchers hope to expedite the path toward humanoid robots' integration into daily life.

Liu Yizhang, one of the lead developers of Tiangong, said that the process of designing a robot body can take from six months to a year. Open-sourcing the Tiangong platform will reduce development time and costs for others, providing a boost to industry-wide innovation.

Meanwhile, an official of Beijing's municipal bureau of economy and information technology said the city will promote the application of humanoid robots. Tiangong robots will be deployed in industries such as automotive manufacturing, performing tasks like transportation and quality inspection. Other robots, including Galbot, produced by a Beijing-based company, are also set for practical use in unmanned pharmacies to assist with sorting and delivery.

To support this momentum, China's first embodied intelligence robotics club was launched alongside the open source initiative on Monday. The club plans to host a humanoid robotics marathon in conjunction with the 2025 Beijing Yizhuang Half Marathon, inviting global robotics teams to showcase their advancements. 

Supported by a 10-billion-yuan robotics fund, Beijing's humanoid robotics industry is positioned for rapid growth. With dedicated industrial parks and a shared robotics manufacturing center, the city aims to support and expand the robotics ecosystem.

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