President Xi Jinping Tuesday visited the Institute of Advanced Technology in University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) in Heifei, Anhui province, and was greeted by two human-like robots developed by the institute.

The two life-like robots named "Xiao Man" and "Jia Jia" interacted with Xi when he approached them during the inspection.

"Hello Mr. President. I am Xiao Man. We have been looking forward to your visit," Xiao Man said.

"I'm very happy to see you, dear President, I wish you happiness every day," said Jia Jia, who has been dubbed "robot goddess" for her good-looks.

Xi praised technicians' work on innovation, and said the country must rely on innovation to boost high-end manufacturing as China has now entered the "new normal".

He stressed that self-led innovation, as the leading concept among the five development concepts, must be promoted under the country's fundamental principal of opening-up policy.

Xi also visited the library of the university and encouraged the students to study hard and devote themselves to the country.