The Jinan artificial intelligence (AI) innovation hub, jointly established by Lixia district and Shandong University, began operations in February this year, creating a new platform to accelerate the commercialization of AI research and strengthen collaboration between academia and industry.

Built around a model that integrates research, product development, and industrial incubation, the hub connects laboratories with market-oriented innovation resources, while Shandong University contributes research expertise and talent resources.

Since the launch of the hub, a number of research teams and technology companies have settled there. In addition to providing workspace and innovation resources, Lixia district helps connect startups with real-world applications, enabling researchers to test and refine their technologies in practical settings.

Several technologies developed at the hub are already moving toward commercialization.

One example is a motor driver powering a badminton-playing robot, allowing its racket to swing at speeds of up to 30 meters per second. Another is a second-generation bionic robotic hand that replicates human hand movements in real time through advanced motion-capture technology, with potential applications in remote surgery, industrial operations, and data collection in complex environments.