China hosts 2026 World Robot Conference in Beijing to showcase expanding robotics industry and industrial applications.
China launched the 2026 World Robot Conference in Beijing on Wednesday to demonstrate the country's expanding robotics industry. The five-day event features approximately 3,000 products, ranging from humanoid robots that can box and dance to industrial models designed for factory floor tasks. While many robots served as impressive performers, some struggled with simple household chores like folding a shirt. UBTECH Robotics and Unitree were among the leading companies showcasing their technology. Jiao Jichao, deputy president of UBTECH Robotics, highlighted an emotional-care humanoid robot capable of expressing facial expressions and moving its own hands, priced at over $24,000. The conference follows a U.S. Federal Communications Commission ban on new foreign-made humanoid robots and power inverters from China, citing national security risks. These advanced robots are capable of posing cybersecurity and security threats, prompting the agency to target China's rapid development in the user-friendly and industrial robotics sectors.
Sources
-
From robot dogs to helpers, China puts robotics ambitions on display at world conference
AP News
-
China robot makers seek to turn humanoid hype into useful work
reuters.com
-
Who is really buying China’s humanoid robots?
Financial Times
-
Unitree Sees Robots Reaching ‘Mass Market’ Within Decade
Bloomberg.com
-
China's robot bodies and AI brains take center stage at Beijing expos
Nikkei Asia