具身智能下半场：南方阵营的崛起

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the unexpected sustained interest in embodied intelligence, particularly in the southern region of China, with a focus on the rise of the company "Self-Variable" as a key player in the industry [1][2]. Group 1: Southern Camp's Rise - The company "Self-Variable," established at the end of 2023, has completed multiple rounds of financing in less than two years, with investors including major players like Meituan, and is rumored to be nearing a valuation of 10 billion [1]. - The emergence of "Self-Variable" positions it as a potential leader in embodied intelligence in Shenzhen and possibly nationwide, despite concerns about the lack of other strong players in the southern region [2]. - The article notes that while Shenzhen has "Self-Variable," other companies like "Zhujidi Power" have been less prominent, focusing more on hardware rather than on developing general embodied intelligence models [2]. Group 2: Hong Kong's Potential - Hong Kong is experiencing a noticeable increase in entrepreneurial activity related to embodied intelligence, driven by strong research foundations in robotics and control systems from its three major universities [2]. - The rise of Hong Kong's entrepreneurial scene is seen as a complement to Shenzhen's strengths, with Shenzhen focusing on supply chain integration and commercialization [2]. Group 3: Industry Challenges - Despite the momentum in the southern camp, the embodied intelligence industry faces significant challenges, with many products still only providing "emotional value" rather than tangible productivity [3][5]. - The article points out that many showcased products, such as dancing robots and automated vending machines, do not address real market needs, leading to questions about their long-term viability [4]. - The disparity in market demand for products like patrol robots highlights the industry's struggle with perceived value versus actual utility, indicating a need for more practical applications [5]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The southern camp's rise is seen as a starting point for 2025, but the industry must overcome hurdles such as the need for more supporting companies in Shenzhen and bridging the gap from research to market in Hong Kong [5]. - The article emphasizes that success will depend not on high valuations or flashy products, but on the ability to solve real-world problems with technology, reflecting a pragmatic approach that the southern region must adopt moving forward [5].