The World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) held in Shanghai this year brought about a true revolution in humanoid robotics . The event, which gathered more than 800 companies and hundreds of robots in demonstrations, marked a turning point in the application of artificial intelligence and automation in industrial and commercial environments, as well as in everyday life.
Walking among the WAIC booths, it was impossible not to notice the massive presence of intelligent robots . From androids capable of serving ice cream, assembling quadruped robots, manipulating complex objects, or participating in mahjong games, to humanoids designed for boxing or industrial applications, the diversity of solutions on display reflected the rapid advancement of robotics technology in China . Companies, authorities, and experts agreed that automation is ceasing to be a promise and becoming a tangible reality in key sectors.
The takeoff of industrial humanoid robotics in China
One of the major highlights of the fair was Shanghai Electric , which unveiled SUYUAN , its first industrial humanoid robot developed entirely in China. This automaton, standing 167 cm tall and weighing 50 kg , is designed to move with ease in industrial spaces thanks to its 38 degrees of freedom and powerful AI processor with 275 TOPS. Its ability to handle loads of up to 10 kg and perform logistical or assembly line tasks at a speed of 5 km/h makes it a versatile option for factories and warehouses.
SUYUAN incorporates binocular vision and LiDAR technologies for autonomous movement, while integration with large language models allows it to interpret commands and adapt its behavior to different needs. In pilot tests, the robot has demonstrated remarkable dexterity in identifying, picking up, and sorting boxes of varying sizes , thus increasing warehouse efficiency.
In addition to SUYUAN, Shanghai Electric showcased the LINGKE bipedal robot , a solution focused on adaptive collaboration and improved operational efficiency. LINGKE utilizes dual-arm coordination and advanced force control, reducing the repetitive workload for operators . It features a closed-loop, data-driven optimization system that continuously learns from experience and autonomously improves its processes.
Innovations: boxing robots, gamers, and smart assistants
WAIC was also the venue chosen for the global debut of robots that stand out for their interaction capabilities and versatility. Unitree Robotics amazed attendees with a demonstration of its G1 boxing robot . This lightweight humanoid can execute precise punches, dodge, and get back up from the ground thanks to its advanced sensory system and remote control. Its performance in a specially prepared ring showcased the potential of robots for sports, recreational, and training activities.
In another area, Dobot Robotics presented a robotic arm equipped with environmental awareness, language, and coordinated action, capable of adapting its movements to complex commands and situations. Meanwhile, Keenon Robotics showcased the XMAN bipedal service robot , geared towards the hospitality and restaurant industries, and Cyborg Robotics exhibited the Cyborg-R01 , designed to handle heavy loads in industrial settings.
Among the new products are also quadruped robots like the Lite3 from Deep Robotics, designed for both industrial and domestic use, and robotic dogs intended for education and energy inspection, where Chinese solutions dominate a large part of the global market.
China takes the lead in robotics: from concept to practical application
Experts and industry representatives present in Shanghai agree that Chinese humanoid robotics has moved very quickly from conceptual verification to practical implementation . The integration of embodied artificial intelligence and advanced language models is enabling Chinese robots to become increasingly adept at tasks requiring centimeter-level precision and could soon achieve millimeter-level accuracy for applications in commerce, healthcare, and logistics.
China, which traditionally lagged behind the United States in terms of manufacturing capabilities, is closing the gap. According to Jiang Lei, chief scientist at the National Robotics Innovation Center, the country is in a privileged position to set global standards thanks to its manufacturing expertise and the vast amount of data it handles.
Investor and business interest in humanoid robotics is strong, and the number of domestic manufacturers is expected to double in the coming year . Furthermore, the drive toward automation is also gaining traction internationally: companies in Southeast Asia and other regions are increasingly opting for Chinese robotic solutions for their production and service chains, drawn by the efficiency and quality of the products.
Robotics in everyday life
During the fair, users of all ages interacted with robots in activities ranging from games and food service to logistical tasks. A notable example was the curling competition between a girl and a robot, symbolizing the progress these machines are making in their naturalness and flexibility to coexist in human environments.
The variety of robots on display ranged from practical applications, such as food handling and warehouse management, to cognitive challenges, such as mahjong. The trend is that, in the coming years, humanoid and collaborative robots will become increasingly common in industry, retail, schools, hospitals, and homes.
This event reflects how robotics in China is no longer just a future promise, but an expanding reality. With advancements like SUYUAN, G1, and XMAN , the country is consolidating its leadership in artificial intelligence and automation, positioning itself as a pioneer in an era where humans and robots will share tasks and spaces in various social spheres.
