President: Robots Are Not Just for Show; Taiwan Has the Strength to Make Them Truly Usable
President Lai attended the unveiling of the National Intelligent Robot Research Center in Tainan Shalun, emphasizing Taiwan's commitment to AI and robotics. The government is promoting the 'AI New Ten Major Constructions,' focusing on robotics, silicon photonics, and quantum computing. The center aims to be a hub for R&D, talent, and industry-academia collaboration, ensuring Taiwan's competitive edge in the AI era.
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- 📰 Published: April 10, 2026 at 15:02
- 🔍 Collected: April 10, 2026 at 16:00 (58 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 15, 2026 at 18:53 (122h 53m after Collected)
The National Intelligent Robot Research Center of the National Applied Research Laboratories, located in Shalun, Tainan, was officially unveiled today. President Lai, Minister of National Science and Technology Council Wu Cheng-wen, Minister of Education Cheng Ying-yao, President of National Applied Research Laboratories Tsai Hung-ying, Director of National Intelligent Robot Research Center Su Wen-yu, and Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che attended the ceremony.
President Lai stated in his address that the government is fully promoting the 'AI New Ten Major Constructions' to ensure Taiwan's competitive advantage in the next generation. This initiative focuses on three key technologies: robotics, silicon photonics, and quantum computing, aiming to make Taiwan's computing faster and transmission quicker in the AI era, thereby facilitating changes in daily life.
President Lai pointed out that through the AI New Ten Major Constructions, he hopes to help 1 million small and medium-sized enterprises adopt artificial intelligence and undergo digital transformation, as well as build an innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. He also hopes that AI will be integrated into all aspects of life, including food, clothing, housing, transportation, and various industries.
President Lai emphasized that robots not only symbolize technological innovation but also represent national competitiveness. Taiwan possesses industrial advantages, including chip technology, sensing components, and a precision machinery industry chain, providing a solid foundation for developing the robotics industry.
President Lai also put forward three major expectations for the center: first, to become an engine for technology research and development. The National Intelligent Robot Research Center will provide a large-scale advanced robotics research and development service platform, serving as a strong backing for industry, academia, and research institutions. This will accelerate the transition of cutting-edge technologies from laboratories to verification and mass production, strengthening Taiwan's integration capabilities in robotics technology.
Second, to become a platform for interdisciplinary talent convergence. President Lai noted that through courses, practical training, competitions, and international exchanges, interdisciplinary talents will be cultivated, laying the foundation for Taiwan's next stage of technological development. Finally, the center should become a key bridge between industry, academia, and research. In the future, Shalun will serve as the advanced R&D center, Liujia as the technology verification base, and the Liuying Technology Park will connect manufacturing capabilities to create a robotics industry corridor, promoting the implementation of R&D results and driving industrial development.
President Lai stressed, 'Our robots are not just for show; they must be truly usable.' He believes Taiwan definitely has the strength to achieve this. He also said that as robots enter daily life, in addition to technological breakthroughs, cybersecurity standards, privacy protection, and the trust of all citizens are also needed. The government will continue to strengthen data governance and cybersecurity resilience, making 'Made in Taiwan' robots not only smart and easy to use but also safe and reliable, becoming the most trustworthy partner in the global democratic supply chain.
Wu Cheng-wen stated in his address that Taiwan is facing structural challenges such as labor shortages and an aging population with declining birth rates. Through the 'Intelligent Robot Industry Promotion Program,' service-oriented intelligent robots with perception and collaboration capabilities will be developed.
Wu Cheng-wen said that Taiwan's development of intelligent robots 'is definitely different from China's jumping robots.' Taiwan possesses advantages in chip, machinery, and automation technologies, which can be used to build neural networks.
He pointed out that the world's most complete industrial chain is in Taiwan. In the future, new robotics startups will be established, inviting international investment, while also cultivating talent for the robotics industry and collaborating with local governments to promote smart city implementation. This will not only promote the development of the robotics industry but also allow Taiwan's successful application models to be exported globally. (Editor: Lin Shu-yuan) 1150410
President Lai stated in his address that the government is fully promoting the 'AI New Ten Major Constructions' to ensure Taiwan's competitive advantage in the next generation. This initiative focuses on three key technologies: robotics, silicon photonics, and quantum computing, aiming to make Taiwan's computing faster and transmission quicker in the AI era, thereby facilitating changes in daily life.
President Lai pointed out that through the AI New Ten Major Constructions, he hopes to help 1 million small and medium-sized enterprises adopt artificial intelligence and undergo digital transformation, as well as build an innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. He also hopes that AI will be integrated into all aspects of life, including food, clothing, housing, transportation, and various industries.
President Lai emphasized that robots not only symbolize technological innovation but also represent national competitiveness. Taiwan possesses industrial advantages, including chip technology, sensing components, and a precision machinery industry chain, providing a solid foundation for developing the robotics industry.
President Lai also put forward three major expectations for the center: first, to become an engine for technology research and development. The National Intelligent Robot Research Center will provide a large-scale advanced robotics research and development service platform, serving as a strong backing for industry, academia, and research institutions. This will accelerate the transition of cutting-edge technologies from laboratories to verification and mass production, strengthening Taiwan's integration capabilities in robotics technology.
Second, to become a platform for interdisciplinary talent convergence. President Lai noted that through courses, practical training, competitions, and international exchanges, interdisciplinary talents will be cultivated, laying the foundation for Taiwan's next stage of technological development. Finally, the center should become a key bridge between industry, academia, and research. In the future, Shalun will serve as the advanced R&D center, Liujia as the technology verification base, and the Liuying Technology Park will connect manufacturing capabilities to create a robotics industry corridor, promoting the implementation of R&D results and driving industrial development.
President Lai stressed, 'Our robots are not just for show; they must be truly usable.' He believes Taiwan definitely has the strength to achieve this. He also said that as robots enter daily life, in addition to technological breakthroughs, cybersecurity standards, privacy protection, and the trust of all citizens are also needed. The government will continue to strengthen data governance and cybersecurity resilience, making 'Made in Taiwan' robots not only smart and easy to use but also safe and reliable, becoming the most trustworthy partner in the global democratic supply chain.
Wu Cheng-wen stated in his address that Taiwan is facing structural challenges such as labor shortages and an aging population with declining birth rates. Through the 'Intelligent Robot Industry Promotion Program,' service-oriented intelligent robots with perception and collaboration capabilities will be developed.
Wu Cheng-wen said that Taiwan's development of intelligent robots 'is definitely different from China's jumping robots.' Taiwan possesses advantages in chip, machinery, and automation technologies, which can be used to build neural networks.
He pointed out that the world's most complete industrial chain is in Taiwan. In the future, new robotics startups will be established, inviting international investment, while also cultivating talent for the robotics industry and collaborating with local governments to promote smart city implementation. This will not only promote the development of the robotics industry but also allow Taiwan's successful application models to be exported globally. (Editor: Lin Shu-yuan) 1150410
FAQ
What are the main objectives of the National Intelligent Robot Research Center?
The main objectives are to drive robotics technology R&D, cultivate interdisciplinary talent, and strengthen industry-academia collaboration, thereby enhancing Taiwan's competitiveness in the AI and robotics industries.
What are Taiwan's strengths in the robotics industry?
Taiwan possesses industrial advantages such as chip technology, sensing components, and a precision machinery industry chain, which form a solid foundation for the development of its robotics industry.