Financial Secretary Paul Chan said on Monday Hong Kong can play a unique and important role in the development of embodied artificial intelligence.

He said the city offers an international application scenario for robots, a thriving research and development ecosystem, as well as financial support.

Chan made the remarks at a launch ceremony for the first batch of autonomous retail stores that feature humanoid robots made by mainland firm Galbot.

He said the SAR should make room for new technologies to drive innovation.

“Hong Kong's dense population provides efficient and diverse scenarios, and there is a high degree of internationalisation,” he said.

“Galbot, one of the frontrunners in the field of embodied AI, has chosen to demonstrate its most advanced technologies in Hong Kong.

“This marks a key step for the firm to expand its international business and take its technology overseas. We welcome and fully support the application of embodied AI in Hong Kong.”

Chan also said Hong Kong has the capabilities to become a hub for research and development, as well as manufacturing, for next-generation embodied AI robots, thanks to its close connections with the Greater Bay Area (GBA)

The SAR, he stressed, is equipped with intellectual property protective mechanisms, international data and talent nurtured by world-class universities, while neighbouring GBA cities possess world-leading capabilities in advanced manufacturing.

Clara Chan, chief executive of Hong Kong Investment Corporation, said the two-year investment in Galbot by the government-owned company has led to fruitful results.

She hopes the advent of embodied AI can empower Hong Kong’s industrial, economic and social development.



Edited by Edmond Fong