From Show to Work: Humanoid Robots Return to Real-World Scenarios at CIIE

At the 9th China International Import Expo, companies such as Sharpa, Unitree, Agibot, and Xiaomi demonstrated humanoid robots performing practical tasks including photography, tea service, logistics sorting, and factory assembly line operations. The event highlighted a shift toward validating robots in real-world workflows rather than showcasing complex movements. Key developments included a proposed joint venture between Kunlun Manufacturing and Unitree for industrial embodied AI solutions, and reports of robots achieving 8-hour continuous operation in automotive factories. Additionally, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology noted that domestic humanoid robot production exceeded 40,000 units in the first half of the year, with plans to deploy them in over 300 scenarios including warehousing and retail.