Abstract: Compared with industrial robots, advanced robot, which is listed in high technology development programs of many developed countries, presents unique characteristics on theory basis, techniques and application fields. Attention of scientists all over the world has been focused on advanced robot-related research that has become one of the most important research topics in automation. In this article, after an overview of development and trends in advanced robots, their design and applications, common technologies and foundational science problems are discussed, and suggestion on advanced robot development strategy for China is given.