Singapore's Senior Minister Lee Experiences China's Advanced Robots in Shanghai

Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong's recent visit to the Shanghai Municipal Humanoid Robot Innovation Incubator offers a compelling glimpse into the future of robotics and its potential integration into Singaporean society. During his tour on May 21, SM Lee engaged directly with advanced humanoid robots, experiencing their capabilities firsthand, from receiving a cup of tea served by a robot to a health check administered by another. This hands-on experience underscores Singapore's keen interest in leveraging China's rapidly growing expertise in this field.

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We believe that future market demand for humanoid robots in Asia and the South-east Asian region is huge.

The visit highlights a strategic collaboration between Singapore and China in the realm of robotics. Companies like Unitree Robotics, a leading Chinese humanoid robot maker, are set to conduct large-scale trials at Singapore's Punggol Digital District, a significant smart robotics testbed. Furthermore, the Shanghai incubator itself plans to establish a branch in Singapore by October 2026, aiming to capitalize on Singapore's position as a regional hub and facilitate the international expansion of Chinese robotic enterprises.

This burgeoning partnership is driven by a shared vision of the immense potential for humanoid robots across Asia. Mr. Rong Guoqiang, general manager of the Shanghai incubator, emphasized the vast future market demand for these robots in sectors ranging from manufacturing and healthcare to education and domestic use. The incubator's ambition extends beyond mere placement; it seeks to foster genuine contribution and valuable services through collaborations between Chinese enterprises and local Singaporean companies and professionals.

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We hope to bring some of our domestic enterprises to Singapore. But bringing them over doesn’t just mean placing them there. We hope they can contribute and provide valuable services.

From Singapore's perspective, this engagement is crucial for its own push towards robotics and physical AI. By tapping into China's dominance and innovation in robotics, Singapore aims to accelerate its adoption of these technologies, enhancing efficiency and creating new service models. The prospect of Chinese robotic companies not only operating but also co-creating with local entities in Singapore signifies a forward-looking approach to technological advancement and economic growth, positioning Singapore as a key player in the global robotics landscape.

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We hope these companies, together with our incubator, can pair up with local Singaporean companies and local professionals to form new types of companies and create innovative services.