I.Basic Information
Robotics Institute is a distinctive school established through a collaboration between Ningbo University of Technology and the Ningbo Techx Institute, led by Professor Li Zexiang from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Rooted in cutting-edge technology, the institute fosters an integrated industry-university-research ecosystem dedicated to cultivating exceptional innovators in strategic emerging fields such as high-end equipment manufacturing, intelligent robotics, and the digital economy. As a benchmark in educational reform, the institute has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Zhejiang Model Unit for Party Construction, Zhejiang Modern Industry College, Zhejiang Advanced Collective in the "Three-Education" Initiative, and the China Industry-University-Research Cooperation Innovation and Promotion Award. It has also been selected as a construction unit for the University Science Popularization Brand Demonstration Project (University Spark Pavilion) and included in the list of the "Zhejiang New Quality Productivity Science Popularization Experience Hall."
II.Teaching
The institute emphasizes small-class, elite, and bilingual education. The first two years focus on building a strong foundation in mathematics, sciences, and general education, alongside engineering innovation training. The latter two years concentrate on core professional courses and hands-on training in collaboration with the Ningbo Techx Institute and industry partners. A series of specialized project-based courses, such as "Robotic Arm Design" and "Machine Ninja" form a comprehensive project-based teaching system that restructures content and transforms traditional teaching and evaluation methods.
Leveraging its location in Ningbo’s manufacturing hub, the institute deepens industry-education integration and university-enterprise cooperation. Key initiatives include a provincial-level "Industry-Education Integration Internship Base" with Zhejiang Bay Area Robotics Technology Co., Ltd., a "Robotic Integration Manufacturing and Industrial Application Research Center" with Ningbo Welllih Robot Technology Co., Ltd., and a "Key Technologies Research Center for Robotic Systems" with Ningbo Zhongda Leader Intelligent Transmission Co., Ltd.
III. High-level teaching staff team
The institute’s faculty comprises outstanding educators from Ningbo University of Technology, members of Professor Li Zexiang’s team, researchers from the Ningbo Techx Institute, and academics and industry experts from renowned institutions worldwide. Of the 47 staff members, 37 are full-time teachers, including 3 full professors and 9 associate professors, with 31 holding doctoral degrees. In the past three years, five young faculty members have received funding from Zhejiang’s High-Level Talent Programs and the Yongjiang Talent Project.
IV. Achievements
Guided by the principle of "promoting learning, teaching, and evaluation through competitions", the institute integrates disciplinary contests into its talent development process. It has achieved a National Grade A rating in the National College Robotics Competition Index, ranking 2nd in Zhejiang and among the top 20 nationwide.
In 2022, 97 inaugural graduates entered the workforce, with over 40 hired by Fortune 500 companies like Tencent and leading domestic firms such as Zhuanzhuan and Joyson. The highest annual salary reached 400,000 RMB, with an average of 130,000 RMB. In 2023, 93 graduates were employed, including over 50 by top-tier and listed companies, with the highest salary reaching 225,000 RMB. Among the 43 graduates in 2024, 15 joined industry leaders like Ningbo PIA Automation Holding Corp and Deli, with an average salary of 120,000 RMB. As of May 2025, 170 students have participated in innovation camps, 69 have started businesses at the Ningbo base, and 23 incubation projects are underway. The first hard-tech startup successfully secured 5 million RMB in angel funding, achieved a valuation of 30 million RMB, and launched its product to market.
V.Social Significance
The institute’s distinctive approach has garnered extensive media coverage, with over 50 reports by leading outlets such as People’s Daily, Guangming Daily, China Education News, and Xinhua Net. It has also been invited to share its model at national forums, including the Alliance Seminar for Local Engineering Universities, the China Modern Industry College Innovation and Development Summit, and the High-Quality Development Seminar and Principal Forum for Modern Industry Colleges, receiving widespread acclaim.
VI.Program
Major 1: Robotics Engineering
Major 2: Intelligent Interaction Design
VII.Other Information
