Weinan Zhang outlines a seven-layer physical AI technology stack

Shanghai Jiao Tong University professor Weinan Zhang presented a seven-layer physical AI technology stack at CNCC 2026, according to Leiphone (雷峰网).

The layers run from hardware and systems, data and simulation, and perception through world models, foundation models, and physical agents to industry applications. Zhang says the hardest problem is linking these layers so that perception, decision-making, execution and feedback work as one reliable system.

The talk was given in a tutorial forum for doctoral students and early-career researchers on the first day of the conference. Zhang leads the physical intelligence center at the Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Laboratory.