Kazakhstan broke ground on August 18 on its first robotics and AI production complex in Astana, a facility built by QAZBOT Technologies that will combine R&D, software and AI model development, testing, adaptation, and localized production of robotic systems1.
The groundbreaking preceded the QAZBOT ROBOTICS FORUM 2026, hosted on August 19 at the Alem.AI International Center for Artificial Intelligence. The forum was dedicated to humanoid robotics, Embodied AI, and practical applications of robotics and AI in Kazakhstan's economy.
AgiBot, described as one of the world's leading manufacturers of humanoid robots, was a key international participant2. During a demo session, AgiBot humanoid robots showcased their ability to interact with humans, coordinate movements, and perform complex routines, including the traditional Kazakh dance Kara Jorga and martial arts moves.
QAZBOT Technologies organized the event with support from the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development and Astana Hub. The forum brought together government officials, tech companies, major Kazakh businesses, and international experts, with discussions focused on developing local expertise in robotics and AI, technology localization, engineering talent development, and potential applications across economic sectors.
QAZBOT Technologies CEO Vladislav Safarov said the company is building a complete technological cycle in Kazakhstan — from R&D, software, and AI models to localized production, engineering training, and deploying robots in real-world processes.
The new QAZBOT complex in Astana will serve as the foundation for the company's production and research infrastructure. QAZBOT Technologies and AgiBot also held B2B meetings with Kazakh companies to discuss sector-specific challenges and explore opportunities for launching pilot projects. Several strategic agreements were signed with Kazakh and international partners covering technology, education, and international cooperation.
A quote attributed to forum participants linked the initiative to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's working visit to Shanghai, framing the forum as a practical outcome of Kazakh-Chinese high-tech cooperation agreements.
ANALYSIS The QAZBOT facility represents an attempt to localize humanoid robot manufacturing in Kazakhstan, pairing a Chinese hardware partner with a domestic entity that aims to own the full stack from R&D through deployment. The involvement of a dedicated Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development signals that Kazakhstan is treating robotics and AI as a state-level industrial priority rather than a private-sector initiative alone.