Kazakhstan Plans $440M AI Robotics Plant With Chinese Partner
Kazakhstan is moving ahead with plans for a $440 million AI-powered robotics production project in Almaty, with local technology company NERO Group partnering with Chinese robotics manufacturer UBTECH Robotics. The project is being developed in the Park of Innovative Technologies Special Economic Zone and aims to localise robotics production in Kazakhstan.
The announcement was discussed at the Kazakhstan-China Investment Forum on September 25. NERO Group CEO Yerlan Nabiyev said the project will go beyond assembling imported robots, incorporating research and development, programming, technology transfer and manufacturing.
$440M Project Includes Technology Transfer
The planned investment is estimated at $440 million. According to NERO Group, around $340 million will cover the transfer of UBTECH’s humanoid-robot manufacturing technology, while NERO Group will contribute approximately $100 million of its own investment.
NERO Group is already developing a 25,000-square-metre centre at the special economic zone for the project. The facility is expected to support manufacturing as well as research, engineering and programming activities.
Robots Target Education, Manufacturing and Logistics
The companies are targeting practical applications rather than entertainment-focused robotics. Planned areas include education, services, manufacturing, logistics and social support.
Education is expected to be an early focus. NERO Group plans to provide robotics equipment to schools, allowing students to assemble and program robots. The company expects to equip around 60 schools in Almaty by the end of 2026, with plans to expand to more than 200 additional schools by 2028.
Humanoid Production Expected in 2027
NERO Group plans to produce around 50,000 educational robotics kits as part of the localisation effort. Production of service and humanoid robots is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2027, with a planned capacity of around 1,000 robots annually.
The project would also make Almaty the location of UBTECH’s first overseas manufacturing facility, according to earlier reporting on the partnership.
Kazakhstan Builds Regional Robotics Capacity
The project is part of Kazakhstan’s broader effort to attract technology investment and develop domestic capabilities in advanced manufacturing. By combining UBTECH’s robotics technology with NERO Group’s local manufacturing and engineering capabilities, the initiative is intended to establish a production and research base for AI-enabled robots in the region.
The focus on local R&D, programming and workforce development also indicates that the project is designed to build capabilities around robotics technology rather than only import finished systems.
