At the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, a new era in robotics was unveiled. Over 60 humanoid robots took the stage, not merely as curiosities, but as powerful tools designed for real-world tasks. These machines now stand ready to support industries and serve communities, marking a turning point in their journey from novelty to necessity.
The Rise of Embodied Intelligence
Once confined to entertainment shows, humanoid robots are now stepping into vital roles on factory floors, in warehouses, and even within nursing homes. At the conference, more than 800 companies presented over 3,000 advanced AI products. The spotlight was on embodied intelligence: AI systems housed in a physical body, able to sense, move, and react to the environment in real time.
This shift is possible thanks to leaps in generative artificial intelligence and breakthroughs in technology. High-performance chips, precise sensors, smart algorithms, agile mechanical systems, and new materials all combine to give these robots a remarkable range of abilities. With this technology, robots can process unpredictable situations, solve complex problems, and work autonomously in ways that seemed distant just a few years ago.
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China’s progress is built on a strong foundation: over 50 specialized companies, vast manufacturing strength, and deep government support. These collaborative efforts have allowed humanoid robots to take on new and challenging functions. Today, robots in China are sorting garbage, delivering medicine to elders, guiding museum visitors, patrolling city streets, and exploring potential roles in defense.
The impact is already visible, with businesses receiving hundreds of robot orders. The momentum is undeniable: what was once experimental is fast becoming mainstream.
Expanding Commercial Horizons
Forecasts predict extraordinary growth for China’s humanoid robot industry. In 2024, the market is valued at about RMB 2.76 billion (USD 377 million). By 2029, it is expected to soar to RMB 75 billion (over USD 10 billion), potentially accounting for one-third of the global market. Projections from the Chinese Institute of Electronics go further, suggesting the sector could reach an astonishing 870 billion yuan (~USD 120 billion) by 2030.
These numbers highlight the enormous potential ahead. Tomorrow’s robots will not only work in factories—they will assist in hospitals, keep public spaces clean, support the elderly, and help secure communities.
At the Forefront of Innovation
China’s achievements are further reflected in its dominance in innovation. In the last five years, Chinese companies have registered 5,688 patents for humanoid robotics—almost four times as many as the United States. This formidable lead in intellectual property, supported by robust government policy and world-class infrastructure, is helping China move swiftly from small-scale trials to mass production.
Such strong foundations ensure these machines are ready for widespread use not only in industry, but also in stores, schools, offices, and eventually, homes.
Transforming Work and Society
Experts see humanoid robots as the ultimate form of smart automation. By bringing together advanced mechanics, intelligent software, and real-world awareness, these machines are poised to transform the workplace and daily life. They are expected to take on dangerous jobs that once put humans at risk, reduce injuries, boost efficiency, and accelerate change across economic sectors.
These robots are not here to replace humanity, but to amplify our ability, reduce burden, and create new opportunities for growth.
A Moment of Arrival
The 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference made one thing clear: China is stepping boldly into the age of practical humanoid robots. Harnessing the power of advanced AI and its vast industrial capacity, the country is shaping a future where intelligent robots serve, protect, and build alongside us. The world watches as China moves from experiment to execution, bringing us closer to a future once imagined, now unfolding before our eyes.
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