Kazakhstan Today (kt.kz) reported on 25 September that the CEO of NERO Group, speaking at the Kazakhstan–China Investment Forum in Almaty, said production of educational robotics is being launched in the city, possibly as early as October, with capacity of up to 50,000 educational kits a year.
The project is run with China's UBTECH Robotics in the Alatau Park of Innovative Technologies SEZ. Besides building robots it covers software development, research and an R&D centre, and a production building of about 25,000 square metres is under construction for it.
Deliveries to schools are planned like this. By the end of 2026 about 30 Almaty schools are to get robotics systems, and in 2027–2028 the project is to spread to more than 200 further schools in the city. The company is also working with Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Satbayev University and the Almaty University of Power Engineering and Telecommunications, so that students and researchers join the development.
Localisation of service and humanoid robots comes later, scheduled for the second quarter of 2027, with a plant able to make up to 1,000 such robots a year. The head of NERO Group says robots should help people, not replace them, first in education and then in services, logistics and industry.
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On investment he said the project is estimated at about USD 440 million. The outlet points out that this figure had not appeared in previously published official materials, so it is the company head's own number. NERO Group and UBTECH began working together in 2025, and in July 2026 they signed an agreement to localise production of humanoid and educational robots in Almaty.
What stands out for Chinese companies is the order of launch: schools first, with educational robots, then services and industry, and ties to local universities from the start. Capacity and school numbers are plans for now, and real shipments will show up in later reports.
Source: Kazakhstan Today (kt.kz), https://www.kt.kz/eng/government/kazakhstan_to_begin_producing_educational_robots_in_almaty_1378000573.html
Key facts
- NERO Group is cooperating with China's UBTECH to prepare educational robot production in the Alatau Innovative Technology Park Special Economic Zone in Almaty, with launch possible as early as October.
- The project plans an annual capacity of up to 50,000 educational robot kits; the supporting production facility of about 25,000 square meters is currently under construction.
- The project plans to equip about 30 schools in Almaty with robot systems by the end of 2026, and to expand to more than 200 schools across the city in 2027–2028.
- The project also includes software development, scientific research, and an R&D center, and involves cooperation with Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Satbayev University, and Almaty University of Power Engineering and Telecommunications.
- The CEO of NERO Group said the project investment is about $440 million; the report notes that this figure had not previously appeared in published official materials.
- Localization of service and humanoid robots is planned to begin in Q2 2027, with the plant's annual capacity of up to 1,000 units.
FAQ
Where is this educational robot project located and who is implementing it?
It is being carried out by NERO Group in cooperation with Chinese robotics company UBTECH Robotics (UBTECH), at the Alatau Innovative Technology Park Special Economic Zone in Almaty.
When will production start and what is the capacity?
According to the company's CEO, production of educational robots may start as early as October, with an annual capacity of up to 50,000 educational robot kits.
What is the schedule for supplying schools?
By the end of 2026, about 30 schools in Almaty are planned to be equipped with robot systems; in 2027–2028, they will be expanded to more than 200 schools across the city.
When will service and humanoid robots be localized?
It is planned to begin in Q2 2027, with the plant's annual capacity of up to 1,000 units.
What is the investment amount, and how credible is it?
The company's CEO mentioned that the project is worth about $440 million; the report notes that this figure had not previously appeared in published official materials and is the statement of a company executive.