In a major push to upgrade aging energy infrastructure, State Grid Corporation of China is investing $1 billion to deploy 8,500 AI-powered robots across 26 provincial regions by 2026.
The large-scale rollout aims to transform how power grids are maintained, replacing traditional human-led inspection and repair work with autonomous systems designed to improve efficiency and reliability.
The robotic fleet includes 5,000 quadruped “robot dogs” for substation inspections and monitoring transmission lines in difficult terrains, 500 humanoid robots for ultra-high-voltage maintenance, and 3,000 dual-arm wheeled robots for coordinated repair tasks.
These machines are already being tested in real-world environments. They can open control boxes, detect electrical leakage, and carry equipment weighing up to 100 kg. According to Li Duanjiao, head of the robotics laboratory, “We are starting with simple skills… robots have already been deployed and tested since last year.” The training program currently covers 6 operational scenarios and 15 specialised skills, with robots learning through mimicry in controlled settings.
China’s domestic robotics companies, including Unitree Robotics, Deep Robotics, UBTech Robotics, and Fourier Intelligence, are scaling production to meet the growing demand.
Beyond domestic use, China has begun exporting grid-inspection robot dogs to countries like Chile, signalling global ambitions in AI-driven infrastructure solutions.
The broader investment, including contributions from China Southern Power Grid, is expected to exceed $1.46 billion in 2026. The initiative also aligns with China’s goal of producing 2.1 million embodied AI units by 2030.
This move highlights a strategic shift toward automation in critical infrastructure. If successful, it could lead to improved power reliability and potentially lower long-term energy costs, while setting new benchmarks for how nations manage and maintain essential systems.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream LinkedIn | The Mainstream Facebook | The Mainstream Youtube | The Mainstream Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.
