China Targets Retail and Logistics in New Embodied AI Plan

BEIJING -- China has issued a national policy encouraging the adoption of embodied artificial intelligence and robotics in retail, household services and logistics, extending its industrial automation strategy into commercial applications.

The Ministry of Commerce and eight other government departments published the policy Oct. 19, outlining 18 measures to expand the use of emerging technologies across consumer goods, services, supply chains and commercial operations.

The measures call for deploying embodied AI in household services and commercial logistics, expanding intelligent warehousing and automated logistics equipment, and developing new robot-based services.

The government also wants manufacturers to increase the supply of intelligent consumer products, including robots, while encouraging businesses to adopt industrial AI models and flexible manufacturing systems that can adapt production to changing demand.

In household services, the policy supports cooperation between service providers and technology companies. It also encourages the development of robot companionship services, alongside other technology-enabled consumer offerings.

For logistics operators, the measures promote automated warehouses, intelligent handling equipment and greater integration between storage and distribution systems. Digital twins are identified as another technology for improving commercial operations and developing new services.

The policy follows China's broader push to modernize manufacturing through AI and automation. An earlier industrial policy, covered by ROBOT24.com, called for wider AI adoption and manufacturing upgrades.

The new measures place greater emphasis on commercial applications, including the services and distribution networks where robotic systems could eventually operate beyond factory floors.

The document also calls for new commercial technology standards, improved data infrastructure and training programs. Authorities want to support emerging occupations involving logistics robot applications and intelligent systems management.

Financial support would come through existing funding channels, with banks and other financial institutions encouraged to finance technology upgrades and new commercial applications.

The policy does not announce a dedicated robotics fund, specify how many robots businesses should deploy or establish a timetable for commercial installations.

Implementation will depend on subsequent measures by government departments and local authorities, as well as investment decisions by businesses adopting the technology.