On May 15, 2026, the first Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) Embodied Intelligence Cultural Festival opened at Big Banyan Tree Square. Ling ZHANG, University Council Vice-Chairperson, and others attended the opening ceremony.

This cultural festival is themed “Exploring Embodied Intelligence: Who Holds the Future? Looking at the Youth of SUSTech, Strive for Continuous Self-Improvement,” and is jointly organized by the College of Engineering, School of Automation and Intelligent Manufacturing, School of Artificial Intelligence, Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering, Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, and the Institute of Robotics. The event focuses on popularizing knowledge of embodied intelligence, showcasing scientific research achievements, facilitating academic exchanges, and boosting university-enterprise cooperation. It aims to create a campus sci-tech festival integrating science, culture, and fun through special exhibitions, knowledge quizzes, interactive experiences, and academic presentations.

In his speech, Ling ZHANG pointed out that artificial intelligence is the core driving force leading the new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation. SUSTech has always resonated with national strategic needs. In August 2024, it established the Advanced Institute of Artificial Intelligence, and in December 2025, it set up the School of Artificial Intelligence, forming a “one body, two wings” integrated development pattern. Only by becoming outstanding talents capable of mastering AI transformation and leading future innovation can one shoulder the responsibilities of the era. He hopes that students will seize the opportunities of the times, delve deeply into frontier fields, and grow into pillars of talent endowed with both a sense of national duty and innovative ability. 

Yi GONG, Secretary of the Party Committee of the College of Engineering, stated that the School of Engineering has a complete ecosystem of engineering disciplines and possesses a natural collaborative innovation environment in the frontier direction of embodied intelligence. Embodied intelligence is redefining the boundaries of “engineering” and rewriting the connotations of “manufacturing.” Its core lies in achieving a closed-loop integration of perception, cognition, decision-making, and action, promoting the deep fusion of physical entities and intelligent algorithms. 

Qinghu MENG, Chair of the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering and Academician of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, said that the future belongs to the younger generation, and students will personally witness the golden era of embodied intelligence reshaping healthcare, education, and manufacturing. SUSTech has established platforms such as the Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Robotic Perception and Intelligence, and it looks forward to more young students engaging in frontier research and joining in innovation. 

Zhiyun LIN, Dean of the School of Automation and Intelligent Manufacturing, expressed the hope that students will actively participate in activities, absorb cutting-edge ideas at academic forums, experience the charm of innovative applications at exhibition displays, marvel at the intelligent vitality of robots in technology performances, and showcase their outstanding style in poster competitions.

After the opening ceremony, the exciting robot performance segment pushed the on-site atmosphere to a peak. The robots moved agilely and were precisely controlled, vividly showcasing the technological charm of embodied intelligence.