China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology announced on Saturday that a draft framework for the national humanoid robot industry standard system is now open for public consultation. The proposed guidelines, labeled as the 2026 edition, aim to establish a comprehensive set of technical norms to support the sector's rapid expansion.

The draft proposes that by 2028, at least 100 key standards will be finalized, covering areas such as capability testing and evaluation methods, core technologies, platforms and systems, application scenarios, and safety governance. These standards are intended to regulate innovation, product development, and large-scale deployment within the industry.

Humanoid robots, defined as next-generation intelligent terminals driven by artificial intelligence, feature human-like forms and capabilities that enable them to autonomously perform complex tasks. As the domestic industry grows rapidly, the need for standardized terminology, interfaces, and testing protocols has become increasingly critical to guide both technological advancement and commercial application.

Currently, more than 100 humanoid robot standards are under development or in pre-research phases both domestically and internationally. The draft framework prioritizes the creation of standards across foundational areas, including brain-inspired computing, intelligent computing power, limbs and components, complete machines and systems, applications, and safety ethics.

By 2028, the plan calls for the establishment of a systematic and coordinated standard system, with over 200 enterprises expected to participate in the promotion and implementation of these standards. This initiative is designed to provide robust support for the high-quality development of the humanoid robot industry.

The draft also outlines key construction principles, emphasizing a systematic, comprehensive, and dynamic approach to standard development. Key components include defining a capability classification methodology for humanoid robots, specifying unique identification rules and coding mechanisms, and setting requirements for operational capabilities and environmental adaptability in structured and semi-structured industrial settings. Additionally, the framework will address ethical constraints and social impact assessments for both technological development and real-world applications.

Public feedback on the draft will be accepted from August 25 to September 23, allowing stakeholders and interested parties to contribute to the finalization of the standard system.