Renesas sets up physical AI & robotics lab in Beijing
Japanese electronics company Renesas has opened a new Physical AI & Robotics Lab in Beijing, China, aimed at supporting the development, demonstration and validation of next-generation robotic systems.
The facility will also support joint development with customers and partners, with Renesas describing it as a hub for taking physical AI applications from proof-of-concept through to larger-scale deployment.
Physical AI refers to AI systems designed to operate in the physical world, requiring them to perceive their surroundings, make decisions and act in real time. According to Renesas, robotics – and humanoid robots in particular – require the integration of embedded processing, sensing, actuation, power management, software and development tools.
The new laboratory follows the establishment of Renesas' Physical AI Division on July 1, 2026.
“Humanoid robots are becoming more sophisticated and complex, driving demand for hardware and software systems that must work together seamlessly,” said Ivo Marocco, Vice President and Head of UX at Renesas, in a press release. “Today, Renesas can address roughly 30% of the humanoid robot BOM, and we see an opportunity to expand that coverage to 70% through our strengths in control, power, sensing, AI, software and ecosystem solutions. Our new lab will help customers validate complete systems and accelerate the deployment of next-generation robotics innovations.”
The Beijing facility will bring together hardware and software development, AI modelling, control, power supply, sensing and system-level verification. Renesas said the lab will be used not only for product demonstrations, but also for the validation and joint development of complete robotics systems.
