Robot Community Access Pilot Open; City Lends Humanoid 'Yau Chi Bo' Free
HK01 · 4 SOURCESabout 15 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The Digital Policy Office unveiled the Robot Walks into the Community pilot scheme on Monday, November 9, 2026, opening applications for organizations to borrow the humanoid robot Yau Chi Bo free of charge for public community events. The program targets grassroots organizations serving local residents, with activities scheduled from December 15, 2026 through February 28, 2027. Officials say the initiative will help citizens from all backgrounds engage with embodied artificial intelligence while addressing digital exclusion among seniors and other vulnerable populations.
Key Points
- Applications for the Robot Walks into the Community pilot scheme open November 9 and close November 20, 2026 at noon, with no application fee
- The humanoid robot Yau Chi Bo can perform dances, kung fu demonstrations, and serve as a science ambassador sharing knowledge about embodied AI and digital technology
- Eligible applicants include companies, associations, Legislative Council or District Council member offices, community organizations, and social welfare agencies serving Hong Kong residents
- The program falls under the Yau Chi Sik Digital Inclusion initiative, aiming to help seniors and those in need adapt to an increasingly digitized society
- The next application round details will be announced in January 2027, following this inaugural batch
Why It Matters
This pilot marks a significant step toward making cutting-edge robotics accessible to ordinary Hong Kong residents rather than confining such technology to research labs or trade shows, with experts calling it an important model for narrowing the digital divide and promoting digital inclusion across social strata . Fong Bo-kiu, Honorary President of the Hong Kong Information Technology Association, welcomed the initiative and urged authorities to gather community feedback for future applications in smart elderly care, companion services, and rehabilitation support .
This pilot marks a significant step toward making cutting-edge robotics accessible to ordinary Hong Kong residents rather than confining such technology to research labs or trade shows, with experts calling it an important model for narrowing the digital divide and promoting digital inclusion across social strata . Fong Bo-kiu, Honorary President of the Hong Kong Information Technology Association, welcomed the initiative and urged authorities to gather community feedback for future applications in smart elderly care, companion services, and rehabilitation support .