At the unmanned systems testing ground of Chongqing's Jialing River Laboratory, several quadruped robotic dogs cautiously navigate rugged terrain simulating a mine tunnel. They leap over obstacles, crouch through low passages, and use onboard sensors to perceive their surroundings.

"We've empowered these robots with AI models and deep reinforcement learning, eliminating the need for manual remote control and enabling adaptive movement across diverse terrains," said Xiao Dengyu, a researcher at the lab’s Intelligent Robotics Center, closely monitoring experimental data. "Future cluster coordination technology will allow multiple robots to navigate collaboratively and avoid obstacles, applicable in scenarios like underground rescue and logistics."

This industry-driven research exemplifies how the Jialing River Laboratory is accelerating manufacturing upgrades. Established in April by Chongqing Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone and operated by Chongqing University, the lab is one of Chongqing’s four major research hubs. It focuses on "digital intelligence + equipment," housing over 200 researchers across six platforms, including intelligent robotics, computing systems, and smart sensors.

The Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee emphasized "accelerating high-level self-reliance in science and technology to foster new productive forces." The lab embodies this directive. "Our mission isn’t just solving technical challenges but bridging the gap between lab and production—key to implementing the plenum’s spirit," said Chen Jie, head of technology transfer at the lab.

The facility aims to build China’s first digital-intelligence equipment R&D cluster, targeting breakthroughs in seven areas, from core components to smart healthcare devices. Its industrial IP operations center tackles "dormant patents." "Many technologies are like treasures locked away," noted Qin Lihua, an IP manager, stressing the need for integrated innovation across research, industry, and talent.

In October, the lab was named among China’s first batch of industrial IP operation centers. It collaborates with firms like Asia Vets (5RE.SI) and Unitree Robotics, linking research with real-world applications through patent pools and tailored services.

Next, the lab will launch "challenge-based" projects, including an intelligent robot for confined underground spaces—addressing Chongqing’s infrastructure challenges. "This approach pools resources to deploy digital-intelligence solutions," Chen added. "Here, we don’t just produce papers and patents but also ready-to-launch products and future industries."