HKUST and BYD Establish Joint Laboratory to Pioneer Embodied Intelligence

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and BYD Auto Industry Company Limited (BYD) launched the HKUST-BYD Embodied Al Joint Lab. This collaboration aims to accelerate innovation and industrial applications in robotics and smart manufacturing, injecting new momentum into global scientific advancement and industrial transformation.

The agreement was signed by HKUST Vice-President for Research and Development Prof. Tim CHENG and BYD Vice President Mr. LUO Zhongliang, witnessed by HKUST Council Chairman Prof. Harry SHUM and BYD Group Chairman and President Mr. WANG Chuanfu.  

Located on the HKUST campus, the laboratory will be co-managed through a Scientific Advisory Committee responsible for setting strategic directions to ensure the research outcomes deliver academic impact and industrial value. Prof. TAN Ping from HKUST’s Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering and the Associate Director of the HKUST Von Neumann Research Institute, will serve as the Director of the Joint Laboratory.

BYD will invest several million Hong Kong dollars over the next few years to support the operation of the laboratory, which will integrate HKUST's expertise in AI and robotics with BYD’s industrial capabilities, with a specific focus on embodied intelligence (EI).

The two parties will explore data-driven EI research, covering efficient data collection methods as well as the training for large models in operation and navigation. The team will develop novel solutions for data collection applicable to both simulated and real-world environments with an aim to reducing the cost of data acquisition. The collected data will be used to train large models of EI, enabling robots to autonomously complete multiple tasks in home or factory settings. Both parties will also collaborate on autonomous driving initiatives to enhance the safety and reliability of high-level autonomous driving technology.

Exploring the Future of Embodied Intelligence

Mr. Wang Chuanfu, Chairman and President of BYD Group, stated, "In recent years, the development of China's manufacturing sector has been remarkable, with significant improvements in both efficiency and creativity. The trajectory of China's manufacturing industry has evolved from scale expansion to quality enhancement. In the early stages, we rapidly expanded our scale by leveraging low-cost and high-efficiency advantages. Today, we must propel Chinese manufacturing to new heights driven by innovation and high-quality development."

He added, "At BYD, we deeply recognize that sustaining industrial advancement requires continuous breakthroughs in technology and foundational R&D. This is precisely why our strategic partnership with HKUST holds such importance. Last year, we recruited over 100 outstanding graduates from HKUST, with master's degree holders accounting for 80% and PhDs making up 20%. These high-caliber talents from HKUST have injected strong momentum into BYD's growth. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to HKUST’s leadership for their commitment to talent development and for cultivating so many exceptional professionals for the industry."

Speaking on the future of China's manufacturing sector and the establishment of the Embodied Intelligence Joint Laboratory with HKUST, he emphasized, "Looking ahead, for China's manufacturing industry to achieve new leaps, we must persistently strengthen innovation in foundational technologies. BYD looks forward to deepening collaboration with HKUST in core technology R&D and innovative talent cultivation, jointly advancing Chinese manufacturing toward the high end of the global value chain and contributing to high-quality development."

Prof. Harry Shum, Chairman of HKUST Council, expressed appreciation for BYD’s support and highlighted the significance of the collaboration. He said, "I have long hoped for HKUST to deepen exchanges with outstanding enterprises like BYD—firmly rooted in China while leading globally—so that we may learn from each other and progress together. BYD is a paragon of China's technological innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, and today, it stands as a global benchmark in high-tech automotive manufacturing. As technological transformation and artificial intelligence profoundly reshape the world, this partnership will enable both sides to fully leverage their research and innovation strengths, embrace local and global trends, and shape transformative strategic opportunities."

Prof. Tim Cheng, Vice-President for Research and Development at HKUST, introduced the university's core research facilities to the BYD delegation led by Mr. Wang, including State Key Laboratories, National Engineering Research Centers, and over 20 specialized research institutes dedicated to cutting-edge technological development for national and industrial advancement. He noted: "Embodied intelligence represents the next milestone in AI evolution. By integrating advanced algorithms with robotics, next-generation systems will gain the ability to actively perceive, comprehend, and interact with the physical world - reshaping humanity's future landscape. This collaboration combines HKUST's research excellence in AI and robotics with BYD's industry leadership, accelerating breakthroughs in critical technologies. We aim to establish the HKUST-BYD Joint Laboratory as a core engine driving robotic innovation and smart manufacturing transformation."

BYD, a global leader in electric vehicles and power batteries, has been actively expanding its international footprint in recent years. Meanwhile, HKUST is renowned for its expertise in AI and robotics technology.  Over the years, both institutions have fostered a strong partnership through student exchange programs, enabling HKUST students to visit BYD, gain hands-on exposure to industry innovations and emerging trends.