China's State Grid to Deploy 8,500 Robots in 2026 for Power Infrastructure
According to an internal development plan reviewed by Jiemian, China's State Grid Corporation aims to acquire around 8,500 robots in 2026 to oversee the inspection and upkeep of the nation's power grid. This initiative, along with similar efforts from China Southern Power Grid, is projected to surpass 10 billion yuan in investment in embodied intelligence that year. State Grid is set to dedicate approximately 5.8 billion yuan for hardware purchases, while the remaining funds will support research, development, and workforce training. The robots will be responsible for various tasks, including inspecting remote substations and maintaining ultra-high-voltage power lines. Additionally, the company plans to utilize humanoid and dual-arm robots for more intricate operations within the growing ultra-high-voltage grid.
Key facts
- State Grid plans to purchase around 8,500 robots in 2026.
- Total investment in embodied intelligence in China's power sector may surpass 10 billion yuan in 2026.
- China Southern Power Grid also has similar robot deployment plans.
- About 5.8 billion yuan of State Grid's investment will go to hardware procurement.
- Robots will inspect remote substations and maintain ultra-high-voltage power lines.
- Humanoid and dual-arm robots will perform high-stakes maintenance tasks.
- The plan was revealed in an internal company document seen by Jiemian.
- China's grid operators are rapidly scaling up AI-powered robot use.
Entities
Institutions
- State Grid Corporation of China
- China Southern Power Grid
- Jiemian
Locations
- China