"Chengdu Hi-Tech Zone-Made" Robot Ai Qiu Debuts at World Artificial Intelligence Conference!

Shanghai, on-site at the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference. In the exhibition hall where humanoid robots were showcased collectively, a robot seemingly stepping out of an animated film drew many visitors to stop and watch. Some raised their phones to take photos, others leaned in to ask its name and origin, and still more took group photos with it after interacting. Its name is Ai Qiu, and it comes from Chengdu Hi-Tech Zone.

Today, the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance (WAIC) opened in Shanghai. As a landmark humanoid robot OEM in Southwest China and a representative enterprise in the field of emotional interaction robots, EIR Sichuan Embodied Humanoid Robot Technology Co., Ltd. brought its emotional interaction humanoid robot Ai Qiu to the conference, highlighting its application capabilities in scenarios such as guided tours, reception services, interactive Q&A, and cultural, commercial, and tourism services.

Before taking the WAIC stage, Ai Qiu had already completed multiple rounds of real-world scenario validation in Chengdu, covering four types of scenarios: commercial spaces, campus science education, urban events, and international exchanges. It once served as a "One-Day Store Manager" in a commercial space, proactively greeting customers, introducing products, and engaging visitor interactions. It also acted as a "One-Day Principal" at a study base, participating in science popularization lectures and discussing AI and robotics with students. From the Chengdu Municipal Two Sessions (People's Congress and Political Consultative Conference) and a New Year's Eve event attended by tens of thousands, to the "2026 World Mayors Dialogue · Chengdu" event, Ai Qiu is not a prototype confined to a laboratory but has continuously taken on real tasks and iterated amidst actual crowds and real-world missions.

This is precisely the confidence behind Ai Qiu's appearance at WAIC. What it demonstrates is not a pre-programmed performance, but a set of emotional interaction capabilities designed for real-world scenarios.

Technologically, Ai Qiu emphasizes the synergy of "vision, hearing, speech, movement, and emotion." It is equipped with the industry-first ELARuntime Emotional-Language-Action Interaction Model developed by Sichuan Embodied Technology, and adopts the nation's first 3D ultra-short-throw projection technology. Supporting control over 59 facial bone points and capable of recognizing 15 emotional states, it allows voice tone, facial expressions, body movements, and commentary content to coordinate naturally within a single interaction.

When responding to audience questions, it can provide multimodal replies.

During guided tours, it can enhance expression through facial expressions and gestures.

In scenarios such as welcome receptions, photo opportunities, and interactive sessions, it can present a more amiable and memorable on-site presence.

For scenic spots, exhibition halls, shopping malls, schools, government service centers, and urban event venues, the robot is not merely a mobile information broadcasting device but can become an on-site companion with character, approachability, and communication impact.

Currently, humanoid robots are accelerating their transition from technical demonstrations to practical applications. Compared to standardized operational directions like industrial use, the emotional interaction robot segment remains a relatively young track, yet it is becoming a new focus attracting attention from enterprises both domestically and internationally. In this field, Ai Qiu represents Chengdu's pioneering exploration.

Ai Qiu's appearance draws inspiration from the dragon lizard, a protected species in Southwest China, giving it both local cultural identity and potential for IP development. From conceptual design, technological R&D, and overall machine design, to core component collaboration and scenario validation, Ai Qiu is deeply rooted in Chengdu.

Supporting Ai Qiu's continuous growth is the embodied intelligence innovation ecosystem taking shape in Chengdu Hi-Tech Zone. The team behind Sichuan Embodied Technology originates from robotics research forces at the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC). Leveraging innovation platforms such as UESTC and Tianfu Jiangxi Laboratory, they persistently conduct R&D in areas including motion control, spatial intelligence, and emotional interaction. Currently, the company has formed three major product lines: the full-size humanoid robot "Sky Walker," the emotional interaction humanoid robot "Ai Qiu," and the industrial-grade quadruped robot "Sky Patroller."

At the same time, relying on the Sichuan Provincial Humanoid Robot Training Ground, led by Tianfu Jiangxi Laboratory with participation from Sichuan Embodied Technology, Ai Qiu is able to carry out data collection, real-machine training, task validation, and application iteration in scenarios such as guided tours, commercial reception, public services, and educational study trips. The training ground is not merely a display space but a "training camp" before robots truly enter practical applications.

At WAIC, Ai Qiu allowed more people to see how an emotional interaction robot can engage with crowds. And at the upcoming World Robot Conference in August, Sichuan Embodied Technology will bring a fully upgraded version. For Sichuan Embodied Technology, robots are not just technological achievements on display stands; they must be used, tested, and remembered in real-world scenarios.

In recent years, Chengdu Hi-Tech Zone has been accelerating its layout in the artificial intelligence and robotics industries. Aligning with Sichuan Province's "No. 1 Innovation Project (AI+)" and Chengdu's future industry development directions, Chengdu Hi-Tech Zone is focusing on key areas such as embodied intelligence, robotics, and large models, accelerating the construction of a collaborative innovation system of "technology R&D — scenario opening — industry incubation — ecosystem agglomeration" to promote high-quality development of the AI industry.

As the chain-leading enterprise in the humanoid robot sector under Sichuan Province's "No. 1 Innovation Project," Sichuan Embodied Technology will continue to drive humanoid robots out of laboratories and into real-world application scenarios. From a robot that can explain, interact, and express itself like Ai Qiu, to a more complete product lineup, "Made in Chengdu Hi-Tech Zone" robots will continue to step onto larger stages.