Breakthroughs in technological innovation must be made with backing from a sound scientific foundation, Premier Li Keqiang said on Nov 3 during an inspection tour to Zhengzhou, Central China’s Henan province.

Premier Li made the remarks when visiting Origin Dynamics Intelligent Robot Co Ltd, a company for new-type intelligent robot research and development, in Zhongyuan Science and Technology City of Zhengdong New District, where he also heard a report on transforming old growth drivers into new ones in the province’s emerging industrial cluster.

While at the company, the Premier inquired about its R&D progress in sensors, speed reducers and other important parts in robotic systems. Algorithms is a vital part for robotic R&D, and math is the key behind the algorithms, he said.

As an enormous market in the field, it is necessary for China to pursue innovation in the application and integration of technology, the Premier said, adding that real breakthroughs in that effort rely on a solid scientific foundation, especially with math as the basis of the foundation.

The process to innovation breakthrough involves strong willpower, perseverance, and a down-to-earth attitude, instead of unrealistic pursuit of quick success and catching-up, Premier Li added.