10th World Robot Conference kicks off in Beijing

Event seen as barometer for China’s tech advance, global industry

Two humanoid robots engage in a boxing match on August 8, 2025, during the 2025 World Robot Conference in Beijing. The event features over 1,500 cutting-edge products from domestic and international companies, up 25 percent from the previous edition.

Two humanoid robots engage in a boxing match on August 8, 2025, during the 2025 World Robot Conference in Beijing. The event features over 1,500 cutting-edge products from domestic and international companies, up 25 percent from the previous edition. Photo: Li Hao/GT

The 2025 World Robot Conference (WRC) opened on Friday in Beijing's Yizhuang, marking the 10th anniversary of the event. With a record number of participating companies and international supporting institutions, the conference has become a key barometer for the global robotics industry, underscoring China's steadfast commitment to international scientific and technological cooperation.

Under the theme "Making Robots Smarter, Embodied Agents More Intelligent," the 2025 WRC showcases more than 1,500 cutting-edge products from about 200 domestic and international robotics companies, including ABB, Festo, Estun, Unitree, Galbot, and CITIC Heavy Industries. The number of companies participating increased by 25 percent this year compared to the previous edition, with over 100 new products making their debut, nearly twice as many as in the 2024 WRC.

Humanoid robots remain a highlight of the 2025 WRC, with 50 leading full-body humanoid robot manufacturers showcasing their latest products and industry solutions, the highest number of such exhibitors among similar events.

Xin Guobin, China's vice minister of industry and information technology, said in a speech at the opening ceremony that the intelligent industry, led by robotic technology, is flourishing and has become a hallmark of technological innovation in the past decade.

He stressed that the Chinese government attaches great importance to the development of the robotics industry, whose prosperity relies on the fusion of global technological expertise and the close collaboration of international industrial chains. Xin also called for joint efforts from all parties to leverage the event to drive development forward.

The 2025 WRC has three pavilions - for robot innovation, application and technologies. Chinese robot startup Unitree took center stage at the innovation pavilion, showing its G1 humanoid robot and various quadruped robots for different outdoor conditions. Their booth also featured robot boxing demonstrations, attracting packed audiences.

Additionally, the Beijing-based National and Local Co-built Embodied AI Robotics Innovation Center exhibited the champion of the world's first humanoid robot half marathon - the Tien Kung Ultra robot - which was a popular photo spot for visitors.

UBTECH brought a group of five robots to the 2025 WRC, including the industrial humanoid robot Walker S, which is already deployed in many factories worldwide. It also debuted the Walker S2, the world's first humanoid robot capable of autonomous battery swapping.

Tan Min, the company's chief brand officer, told the Global Times that aside from the autonomous battery swapping ability, the Walker S2 also features cargo stacking abilities, with a 1.8-meter work range, 162-degree waist rotation, and millimeter-precision dexterous hands.

At the robotics application hall, Leju Robotics showcased comprehensive solutions covering industrial, commercial services, and research sectors. Industrial scenarios included empty box retrieval and tray unloading, while commercial services featured large-model guided tours, robot-led explanations, and voice interaction.

Ke Zhendong, vice president of Leju Robotics, said that humanoid robots are already used in limited commercial service scenarios, with the industrial sector poised to become the next growth peak, prompting the company to focus more on industrial application research and development.

The robust development of the humanoid robot sector also generates opportunities for related industries. Liu Xingwei, vice president of robotics business at Hesai Technology, introduced the JT series ultra-hemispherical 3D LiDAR, which offers the world's widest 360 degree × 189 degree field of view. The company has recorded over 100,000 deliveries in less than five months.

Hesai's LiDAR is used in robotaxis, as well as humanoid and quadruped robots and autonomous lawn mowers. Global mower LiDAR sales are expected to exceed 300,000 units in 2025, up from under 50,000 last year, Liu told the Global Times. He said the company's mission, set in 2019, is to empower robots and improve efficiency, and that the humanoid boom is opening new opportunities for advanced sensing.

Compared to the last edition, the number of overseas scholars and experts attending the 2025 WRC rose from around 10 to over 80. A total of 300 overseas delegations, including ones from Singapore, ASEAN, Nepal, and Cameroon, are expected to present robot applications and cooperation needs, the Global Times learned from the organizers, highlighting China's growing significance in the global technology sector.

Brad Nelson, a professor of robotics and intelligent systems at ETH Zurich, who attended last year's WRC, was impressed by the rapid progress of humanoid robots in the past year. He noted that mature business models are still developing, with technology and business driving each other. He further emphasized the need to improve robots' manipulation and tool-use capabilities.

Alexander Kleiner, senior scientist at the Artificial Intelligence R&D Center of Wolong Electric Global Research Centre (Shanghai) Co, told the Global Times that China is poised to become the next global hub for robotics, citing vast demand, cost advantages, strong policy support and a shrinking workforce.

"Only China can achieve the price levels needed for large-scale applications, from manufacturing to elderly care. With pragmatic leadership, government backing and funding, Chinese firms are moving faster than their peers in the US and Europe. I am confident robots will be everywhere here within a few years," he said.

According to the 2025 Government Work Report, China will support the extensive application of large-scale artificial intelligence models and accelerate the development of new-generation intelligent terminals and smart manufacturing equipment, including intelligent connected new-energy vehicles, AI-powered phones and computers, and intelligent robots.

In 2024, China became the world's largest robot producer. Industrial robot output hit 33,000 units while service robot output reached 10.52 million units, according to official data.  

Source: https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202508/1340455.shtml