The World Robot Conference 2026 opened in Beijing on Wednesday, according to the Associated Press. Organisers say around 3,000 products are on display over five days. Despite the event’s international name, AP says it saw no foreign exhibitors there.
The message from Chinese manufacturers is that their robots are moving from demonstrations to factories and real-world use. On the stands, however, showmanship is still very much in evidence. Robots boxed and danced, and one played a game of ping-pong against a human opponent.
Unitree robots box and dance as the company lists in Shanghai
The stand of Unitree, one of China’s leading humanoid manufacturers, was among the attractions of the first day, with models demonstrating boxing and dancing. AP does not say whether these routines were autonomous, teleoperated or pre-programmed.
The opening of the conference coincided with Unitree’s stock market debut in Shanghai, according to AP.
UBTECH companion humanoid robot on sale to consumers
UBTECH, another major player in China’s robotics sector, showed several industrial models. Some moved components around, as they would in a workshop task.
The company’s main focus, however, was on humanoids with realistic faces, positioned for emotional support. Jiao Jichao, vice president of UBTECH Robotics, said one of these companion robots can talk, make different facial expressions, turn its neck and move its hands. It is available for consumers to buy at 168,000 yuan (more than $24,000), according to AP.
Can humanoid robots fold a shirt? A limit on display
Several companies exhibited assistance robots fitted with mechanical arms and hands. On one stand, a robot tried to fold a shirt. After several minutes of attempts, it failed, AP reports.
Experts quoted by the agency say many humanoids remain more convincing as entertainers than as useful workers.
The event comes a few weeks after the US Federal Communications Commission decided to ban imports of new foreign-made humanoids and inverters, citing national security risks, a measure aimed at China according to AP. The ban also covers new imports of quadruped robots, the four-legged robot dogs. The US agency cites cybersecurity risks.