China Puts Humanoid Robots on Display at World Robot Conference in Beijing

China's World Robot Conference opened August 19, 2026, at the Beiren Yichuang International Convention Centre in Beijing, showcasing humanoid robots from domestic manufacturers including Unitree.

Unitree's booth drew significant attention, with robots performing boxing, dancing, and a game of table tennis against a human opponent. The company's stock debuted on the Shanghai market the same day the conference opened.

Other Chinese firms including UBTECH displayed industrial and emotional-care humanoid robots. About 3,000 products were on show, all from domestic Chinese companies. Despite the conference's international branding, no foreign exhibitors were present.

The event took place days after the US Federal Communications Commission implemented a ban on imports of new foreign-made humanoid robots and power inverters, specifically targeting China. The ban also covers quadruped robots, or robot dogs, with the FCC citing potential cybersecurity and national security risks.

Industry experts who attended the conference noted that many of the robots on display function more effectively as novelty performers than as practical workers. Some machines promoted for industrial logistics or emotional support struggled with basic household tasks like folding clothing.

Unitree had previously raised $900 million in its Shanghai IPO and was valued at $9 billion. The company is one of China's most prominent humanoid robot manufacturers and has been expanding its product line to include both consumer and industrial models.