HOMIE and GRUtopia are showcased at the 2025 Global Developer Conference in Shanghai. [Photo/WeChat account: hafbwx]

The 2025 Global Developer Conference opened in Shanghai on Feb 21. Hai'an High School alumnus Ben Qingwei, from the class of 2020, showcased the HOMIE cockpit system, which is an industry first.

HOMIE, short for Humanoid Loco-Manipulation with Isomorphic Exoskeleton Cockpit, acts as an advanced cockpit tailored for humanoid robots. It allows them to execute precise commands, such as carrying objects, sorting items, pushing wheelchairs, and operating ovens. The system not only solves the challenge of remote humanoid robot control but also enhances their operational flexibility.

By wearing an exoskeleton arm and motion-sensing gloves, operators can control a robot's limbs with near-zero latency, executing precise movements in real-time, much like becoming "Iron Man".

In addition to HOMIE, Ben and his team also presented GRUtopia, which provides immersive scenarios for robots to carry out various tasks.

During his undergraduate years at Tsinghua University, Ben dedicated his spare time to self-studying artificial intelligence. In September 2024, after completing his bachelor's degree, he became a joint PhD student at the Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, where he gained access to extensive research resources and a strong academic environment.

Beginning with quadruped robots in embodied intelligence, he gradually transitioned to humanoid robot control and autonomous decision-making, significantly enhancing his technical expertise and practical skills.