A humanoid robot practices picking up cups at a cafe in Deqing county, Huzhou, Zhejiang province, on Jan 10. [Photo/IC]

Zhejiang province has issued an action plan to accelerate the real-world adoption of new technologies, aiming to support high-quality growth in science, technology, and industry from 2026 to 2027.

Starting in 2026, the province will open more than 150 new scenarios each year to support the first use and trial application of new technologies and products, generating more than 300 billion yuan ($43.92 billion) in effective investment.

The plan focuses on five areas: frontier technology, industrial upgrading, smart regulation, efficient social governance, and public services. It identifies 24 priority fields, including artificial intelligence, brain-computer interfaces, all-domain unmanned systems, and the marine economy.

By the end of 2027, Zhejiang aims to build more than 300 typical "AI plus" application scenarios and raise the adoption rate of next-generation smart terminals and enterprise agents in key industries to more than 75 percent.

The province will also develop application scenarios for humanoid robots, including guiding visitors, assisting shoppers, working in factories, helping with daily tasks, and providing public services. By 2027, the push is expected to lift annual humanoid robot production to more than 20,000 units.

The plan also covers public services. In elderly care, disability services, and childcare, Zhejiang will promote smart terminals and platforms serving older consumers, while developing scenarios for smart care, health monitoring, risk alerts, emotional companionship, and visual or hearing assistance.

In consumer services, the province will support new scenarios that combine technologies such as virtual reality and unmanned retail terminals with shopping and entertainment.