"Xingzhe Taishan", a humanoid robot developed by Jinan-based Shandong Youbaote Intelligent Robotics Company, captured third place in the 4×100-meter relay final at the recent 2025 World Humanoid Robot Games, showcasing the strength and rapid rise of Jinan's robotics industry.

Jinan, the capital of Shandong, has seen rapid growth in its robotics industry in recent years, forming a complete industrial chain spanning core component production, robot manufacturing, and system integration.

Statistics show that the city now is home to 113 robotics enterprises, with the core industry value hitting around 15 billion yuan ($2.09 billion), accounting for nearly half of the provincial total.

The city's robotics sector is marked by a group of niche leaders in different fields. Youbaote has developed humanoid robots with self-designed joints, Shandong Aotai Electric Co operates an axle production line with 10 welding robots, and Shandong Luneng Intelligent Technology Company (or the State Grid Smart Technology Co) has deployed power inspection robots in more than 20 provinces.

Technological innovation has given the city's robotics industry strong resilience, enabling local firms to maintain production amid global supply chain fluctuations and address bottlenecks with homegrown core technologies.

In addition, the local government has introduced supportive policies, set up funds to boost enterprise R&D, and developed robotics industrial parks, fostering a favorable business environment.

"Xingzhe Taishan", a humanoid robot developed by Jinan-based Shandong Youbaote Intelligent Robotics Company at the 2025 World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing. [Photo/Jinan Daily]