ALMATY – Kazakhstan and Chinese robotics manufacturer UBTech Robotics are advancing a $440 million project to localize robotics production in Kazakhstan, with plans covering manufacturing, research and development, programming and the creation of new jobs.
Yerlan Nabiyev, Nero Group CEO. Photo credit: KAZAKH INVEST.
The project was announced on the sidelines of the Kazakhstan–China Investment Forum, which opened Sept. 25 at Koktobe Hall in Almaty and brought together more than 600 delegates, including representatives of Chinese corporations, Kazakh businesses, government bodies and development institutions.
According to Yerlan Nabiyev, Nero Group CEO, the cooperation with UBTech Robotics began after an initial meeting in November last year, held on the recommendation of Almaty’s city administration.
UBTech Robotics, a Chinese technology company founded in 2012 and headquartered in Shenzhen, specializes in humanoid and educational robotics. Nabiyev said a subsequent agreement on cooperation was signed during a Kazakhstan–China forum in July in the presence of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
“We have already started implementing the project to localize robotics production here in Kazakhstan on the territory of a special economic zone,” Nabiyev told The Astana Times.
Project to cover production, R&D and programming
The initial investment is estimated at nearly $440 million. According to Nabiyev, the project is designed to go beyond assembling finished products and will include research and development, research activities, programming and manufacturing facilities.
“This is an initial stage, which primarily involves localization not only of the production component. It is also R&D, research, programming, substantial job creation and, of course, production facilities,” he said.
Nabiyev said the project is intended to develop practical applications for robotics across different sectors rather than focus primarily on entertainment.
“Our goal is for robots not to replace people. Our goal is for robots to be assistants to people,” he said.
“We are now primarily focused not on entertainment content involving robots, but on their application first of all in education and services, of which there are many, practically in all sectors, in manufacturing — robots in logistics, robots for production purposes and so on,” Nabiyev added.
Robotics to expand educational opportunities
Nabiyev also highlighted the social dimension of the project, including the development of educational robotics in Kazakhstan. According to him, Nero Group currently employs more than 200 people and has expertise in electronics manufacturing, circuit boards and specialized technologies. The company expects its workforce to grow substantially as the robotics business expands.
He added that the company is preparing to include robotics in Kazakhstan’s national register of domestic manufacturers, with the relevant technological operations and share of local content to be reflected in the registration.
Nabiyev also said educational robotics production is expected to begin in October, with an initial target of supplying nearly 30 schools in Almaty by the end of the year.
Kazakhstan–China investment ties expand
Sultangali Kinzhakulov, Chairman of the Management Board of KAZAKH INVEST. Photo credit: KAZAKH INVEST.
The robotics project is part of broader efforts to deepen investment cooperation between Kazakhstan and China. The Kazakhstan–China Investment Forum, organized by Kazakh Invest with the support of the Investment Committee of the Foreign Ministry, is bringing together more than 300 companies, according to Kazakh Invest Chairman Sultangali Kinzhaкulov.
“Today we are reaching a level of high-quality investment cooperation: leading investors are coming to the country, building plants, establishing production and manufacturing products with high added value,” Kinzhaкulov told The Astana Times.
He noted that the forum is being held in this format for the first time and brings together investors that are operating in Kazakhstan or planning to enter the market. Nearly 50 commercial documents are expected to be exchanged during the forum, alongside an exhibition and B2B matchmaking meetings.
The Kazakhstan-China Investment Forum was attended by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who opened the event and outlined key priorities for expanding investment and economic cooperation between the two countries.
