In April 2026, the State Grid Corporation of China unveiled its "2026 Embodied Intelligence Development Plan," which aims to invest approximately 6.8 billion yuan in the procurement of around 8,500 embodied intelligent devices. This initiative is set to enhance operations in four key sectors: power inspection, live working operations, emergency rescue, and warehousing logistics. A significant component of the plan includes the acquisition of 500 humanoid robots designated for live working tasks, with a budget allocation of 2.5 billion yuan, averaging 5 million yuan per unit.
This strategic move marks a pivotal transition in the power industry, shifting from small-scale trials to the large-scale deployment of humanoid robots. However, the ambitious plan raises critical questions regarding the technological infrastructure required for such robots, the justification of their pricing, the identification of primary suppliers, and the practical obstacles that must be overcome prior to widespread implementation. The procurement strategy also reflects a clear differentiation in functionality and pricing among the various types of robots, positioning humanoid robots at the premium end of the spectrum.
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