Hong Kong Investment Corporation (HKIC), a government fund worth HK$62 billion (US$8 billion), has partnered with Beijing-based humanoid robot start-up, Galbot, to boost the artificial intelligence (AI) industry in Hong Kong. Galbot will establish the HK-Galbot Embodied AI Lab to explore applications for humanoid robots in industries such as retail and tourism, with a focus on training teenagers in embodied AI technology.
The partnership aims for Galbot to lead the robotics ecosystem in Hong Kong and potentially conduct an IPO in the city. HKIC CEO Clara Chan highlighted the advantages of embodied AI technology in replacing humans in hazardous and repetitive tasks.
Galbot, founded by He Wang from Peking University, showcased its humanoid robot, Galbot G1, at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC). The company plans to deploy robots in Hong Kong shops within the next few years, revolutionizing the way tasks are performed in industries such as retail and delivery.