On 15 October 2026, Professor SUN Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, officiated at the opening ceremony and delivered remarks. The Hong Kong Industrial Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Centre (FLAIR), under the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), launched the Embodied AI International Applications Hub — Hong Kong’s first platform dedicated to real-world applications of embodied AI and humanoid robotics. The Hub gives technology partners application scenarios to test and refine technologies, accelerate commercialisation, and help partners expand into international markets.
Opening and first cohort: seven technology partners, eight international scenario partners
The ceremony was officiated by Professor SUN Dong and Hon Sunny TAN, Chairman of HKPC; Edmond LAI, Chief Digital Officer of HKPC, was also present. According to HKPC / FLAIR, the Hub’s initial phase brings together seven technology partners and eight international scenario partners (government departments and enterprises, among others) to advance R&D, testing and innovative applications of embodied AI across manufacturing, smart logistics, retail services, inspection and maintenance, and public services.
The first technology partners span humanoid robots, quadruped robots and intelligent solutions: Beijing Xingdongjiyuan (Robotera), Unitree Robotics, Changzhou MicroIntelligence, AI Squared Robotics (Shenzhen), AgiBot Innovation (Shanghai), Beijing Galbot AI, and Rice Robotics. Scenario partners — including government departments and enterprises — supply authentic, complex and diverse operating environments.
Closed-loop validation: from scenario definition to revalidation
As technical lead, FLAIR will run a data-driven closed-loop R&D process: scenario definition → model adaptation and training → solution testing → performance evaluation → data feedback → technology iteration → revalidation. Evaluation indicators include operational accuracy, execution efficiency, system reliability, autonomous task completion rate, safety performance and environmental adaptability — objective benchmarks intended to clarify technology maturity and help industries reduce deployment risk.
Figure: Left — robots in a logistics sorting scene; right — real-world testing in a manufacturing or public-service setting — editorial illustration with no text or logos; not an actual venue or product photo.
Supporting measures: AI R&D Institute, subsidy top-up and I&T industry guidance fund
In his remarks, Professor SUN said the HKSAR Government will continue to support AI through research, funding and infrastructure: the Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Institute will come into operation this year; the Government will inject an additional HK$1 billion into the AI Subsidy Scheme. Through the Innovation and Technology Fund, more than 390 AI-related projects totalling about HK$1.1 billion had been funded as of end-April 2026; a HK$10 billion I&T industry guidance fund (創科產業引導基金) is expected to be formally launched within the year to channel market capital into themes such as AI and robotics.
The Hub is also framed as a venue for Mainland and international partners to validate solutions in Hong Kong before wider market expansion. The Government said it will keep working with research institutions, technology firms and industries to promote large-scale adoption while ensuring safety and compliance.
Primary sources:
- Government Press Release, “Speech by SITI at opening ceremony of Embodied AI International Applications Hub” (Chinese only), 2026-10-15, https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202610/15/P2026101500429.htm
- HKPC / FLAIR announcement (via Media OutReach Newswire), “FLAIR Launches Hong Kong’s First Embodied AI International Applications Hub”, 2026-10-15, https://www.media-outreach.com/news/hong-kong/2026/10/15/494371/flair-launches-hong-kongs-first-embodied-ai-international-applications-hub/
