Wang Qingjie works on processing images OL-1 captured over the Spring Festival holiday. [Photo by Huang Huixian/tidenews.com.cn]

On the first workday after the Spring Festival on Feb 5, Hangzhou's tech firms wasted no time ramping up production and research, signaling a strong start to the year.

At Star Vision in Yunqi Town, young engineers were busy analyzing data from OL-1, Oman's first AI-powered remote sensing satellite launched by the company last year. Wang Qingjie, a lead engineer, worked on processing images the satellite captured over the holiday. "Each day, OL-1 collects data from six target points," he said, adding that 2024 would bring new mission challenges.

Star Vision, known for its AI-driven satellite technology, was the first private company in China to contribute to lunar exploration. Its micro exploration robot project was recently selected by the China National Space Administration to deliver two AI-powered lunar robots for China's Chang'e-8 Moon mission, which is scheduled for 2028.

WJ-IA, a remote sensing satellite developed by Star Vision. [Photo by Huang Huixian/tidenews.com.cn]

Meanwhile, Taixi Robotics has been refining its exoskeleton technology, which gained attention after a viral video showed a climber effortlessly scaling Mount Tai using an assistive robotic suit. CEO Liang Linchao revealed that the company would begin producing its hiking exoskeleton in the first quarter of this year, with applications extending to industrial lifting, firefighting, and rehabilitation.

With AI, aerospace, and robotics driving growth, Hangzhou's high-tech sector is off to a dynamic start, demonstrating Zhejiang's commitment to cutting-edge innovation.

Some products developed by Taixi Robotics. [Photo by Xu Xuechun/tidenews.com.cn]