Space computing, humanoid robots, hydrogen transport and 54,000 innovative companies in 193 clusters

This is according to a summary from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (May 13, 2026).

Since the beginning of the year, China has intensified efforts to optimize the structure of its future industries. The country is accelerating breakthroughs in cutting-edge technologies — from advanced robotics to orbital data centers.

A number of landmark projects are being implemented across the country in 2026. In Beijing, preparations are underway to create the country’s first space computing innovation center. The center’s research will focus on gradually relocating ground-based data centers into space to enable data collection, processing and output in orbit. This year, China also unveiled plans to accelerate development and improve the ecosystem of the space computing industry.

In Shanghai, the world’s first pilot platform for humanoid robot components is taking shape. Small-scale pilot production lines have been established for five categories of components, including reducers. The platform offers 72 testing and verification services, significantly lowering the development threshold for humanoid robots.

Since the start of 2026, China has launched more than 100 innovation and research tasks for future industries through an open competition mechanism. The focus is on general artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, atomic-scale manufacturing and clean low-carbon hydrogen energy. Key application areas have been identified. Manufacturing innovation centers and pilot platforms have been established in priority areas. All this is aimed at accelerating the transfer of advanced technologies from laboratories to production.

The momentum of development is also evident in the clean energy sector. In northern China’s Shanxi Province, hydrogen-powered shared bicycles have appeared on city streets. More than 15,000 heavy-duty hydrogen fuel cell trucks are operating on logistics routes. Local authorities are also planning several interprovincial hydrogen logistics corridors.

To sustain this growth, China will implement a multi-level support system for unicorn enterprises and specialized, high-tech small and medium-sized enterprises in key sectors this year. The country will also promote the development of future industry pilot zones based on local industrial advantages. To date, about 54,000 innovative enterprises across the country have settled in 193 innovative industrial clusters.

China is moving servers into space, teaching robots to feel and launching thousands of hydrogen trucks. This is not futurology. This is a report for the first half of the year. The question is not whether the future will happen. It is already here. The question is who will manage to take their seats in this new world while others are still arguing about yesterday.