Foundation model companies in Xuhui soar on incentives

A robot about the size of a normal human was responding to human commands.

"Yuanzheng, Yuanzheng, how is the weather in Shanghai today?" asked Zhen Di, CEO of Cyber Partner, during a press tour of Shanghai Foundation Model Innovation Center (SMC) on Thursday.

"It is a bit rainy most of the time, with temperatures ranging from 17-22, humidity at 84, and a northeast wind at Force 1-3," the robot answered.

Following Zhen's instructions, the robot performed a set of tai chi to music.

Zhen revealed that they were also operating some robots at the ongoing China International Import Expo.

The tai chi show may require significant physical dexterity and situational awareness, but Zhen believes that the most promising applications for humanoid agents will be in elderly and healthcare assistance, such as assisting the elderly with mobility, retrieving objects, or monitoring vital health signs. Zhen predicted breakthroughs in three years.

The most significant advantage of humanoid robots is their generic function.

"That's where it can really substitute humans," Zhen said, adding that, unlike a cleaning and a cooking robot, a humanoid can perform multiple functions just like a human being.

Two challenges remain: robots must be more affordable and accessible for general use. Before that can be addressed satisfactorily, a rental scheme may assist.

So far, some of Cyber Partner's products have been well received.

A Jifeifei companion robot, a small interactive toy shaped like a chick from another planet, was on display in an exhibition space showcasing some of the model innovation center's most recent products. It is capable of flapping its wings while conversing with a child on this planet.

"A parent once told me that when her kid is throwing a tantrum, rather than start disciplining the child, she would first turn to Jifeifei for a clue, and apparently the kid is more willing to listen to the toy," Zhen said.

Zhen did point out about the risk of addiction. When the alarm was triggered, they had to create an anti-addiction system for a child.

Cyber Partner grew rapidly, with preparations beginning in 2023 and formal registration with SMC only last year.

"As SMC grows, so does our company and the entire west river bank area," Zhen explained.

Zhen stated that the area was desolate when they moved in, but with the opening of numerous commercial entities since then, it has been attracting people.

"From a business perspective, we could literally extend upstream by going upstairs, and downstream by going down," said Zhen.

SMC is already in Phase-V development, demonstrating the momentum with which AI, big data, and frontier technological findings are being rapidly deployed in real-world scenarios.

According to an SMC source, over 200 enterprises chose to register here, thanks largely to a relatively complete ecosystem upstream, midstream, and downstream.

SMC has developed five service platforms for the companies in this area, focusing on utility, corpus, financial services, talent, and bridging the simulation-to-real gap.

Nearly 700 big companies in the district are eligible for subsidies.

As a downtown district with the most scientists, it is well-positioned to see the rapid development of complex robotics.