The embodied AI robot Xueba 01 (translating to "Top Scholar 01") has made history by being accepted as a doctoral candidate at the Shanghai Theatre Academy, marking the first instance of an embodied AI robot enrolling in a PhD program in China. During the official admission ceremony, the robot received its acceptance letter from Xie Wei, Secretary of the Party Committee at the Shanghai Theatre Academy, surrounded by an audience of academics, researchers, and media representatives.

Developed by a research team from the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Xueba 01 represents an advanced iteration of the earlier Xingzhe II model. Its human-like facial features were meticulously designed under the guidance of Professor Yang Qingqing, a doctoral supervisor, exemplifying the power of industry-university-research collaboration in driving forward intelligent technology innovation.

Looking ahead, Xueba 01 is set to embark on a multidisciplinary research journey, utilizing various experimental platforms at the Shanghai Theatre Academy. To support its academic pursuits, a joint supervisory committee—comprising experts from both the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology and the Shanghai Theatre Academy—will oversee its learning progress, research activities, and interactive engagements.