The 2025 Shenzhen International AI Sanitation Robot & Application Innovation Competition is set to include a special OpenHarmony Formation, where leading enterprises such as SAITE intelligence, COWA robot, XiNiu, JiMuXingYuan, JingLv Environment, and NiuEnChi will deploy AI-powered sanitation robots in a coordinated display. This event, scheduled for November, responds to China’s ‘AI Plus’ initiative promoted by The State Council, aiming to translate policy into practical applications for urban cleanliness in Shenzhen.
Technological Integration in Longgang District
Longgang District in Shenzhen is advancing its goal to become China’s first ‘HarmonyOS District‘ by leveraging district-wide 5G private networks and IoT infrastructure. The implementation of the open-source, Harmony-compatible M-Robots OS has enabled ultra-low latency, reducing coordination costs and enhancing the intelligence of sanitation robots. These robots interact seamlessly with smart trash bins and cameras, forming an intelligent network for precise cleaning tasks like litter detection and overflow response.
The OpenHarmony Formation utilizes a Super Device Management Platform to achieve cross-brand and cross-device coordination. During the competition, robots will perform demonstrations including formation entries, horn and light shows, and watering displays, showcasing the potential for integrated AI sanitation solutions in urban environments.
Industry Standards and Operational Models
The competition will serve as a platform for setting industry standards, with the China Urban Environmental Sanitation Association presenting the Technical Requirements for AI Cleaning Robots (Draft for Comments). This proposed national standard aims to provide unified specifications for the product lifecycle, from design to acceptance, guiding the industry toward high-quality development and addressing gaps in current regulations.
Additionally, Longgang District will unveil China’s first standardized operational model for non-standard scenarios, pioneered in Henggang Subdistrict. This model employs a ‘five-in-one’ integrated land-air perception network, combining patrol drones, work vehicles, AI sanitation robots, and fixed cameras to gather visual data. An AI urban management model standardizes the identification of 50 types of urban incidents across five categories, transforming variable scenarios into replicable procedures to improve efficiency and adaptability in urban management.
Real-World Applications and Collaboration
The event includes real-world tests in scenarios such as park squares, pedestrian and cycle paths, and service roads, allowing government and enterprise observers to evaluate technologies firsthand. Attendees will include sanitation departments, urban service companies, and investors from across China, with organizers facilitating on-site matchmaking to connect participants with procurement needs and investment opportunities.
Connections with Belt and Road resources, top investors, industrial funds, and banks are emphasized to foster collaboration and market expansion. As part of China Media Group’s ‘Embracing the Future – Helper Robot Summit,’ key segments like the OpenHarmony robot showcase will be livestreamed on the CCTV News app, promoting public awareness of AI innovation in sanitation and supporting Shenzhen’s role in driving intelligent transformation for sustainable urban development.
