Robotics industry expands through major competitions and industrial integration

The robotics and automation sectors are seeing significant expansion through major international events and industrial integration. The Second World Humanoid Robot Games is set to open on August 22 at the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing. This event features 2,056 robots from 666 teams representing 16 countries, including the United States, Germany, and Japan. The competition has expanded to 51 events, including athletic contests and scenario-based challenges, with stricter requirements for autonomous performance.

In the industrial sector, humanoid robots are moving from demonstration to real-world application, particularly in automotive and battery manufacturing. Companies like UBTECH and Galaxy General are testing robots in production lines at firms such as CATL, BYD, and Geely. While these robots offer advantages in high-risk or flexible tasks, industry experts note that high costs remain a barrier to large-scale deployment, with some manufacturers suggesting costs must drop by approximately two-thirds to achieve economic viability.

Additionally, major trade exhibitions are facilitating industry connections. The bauma CHINA 2026 exhibition in Shanghai is expanding to a dual-hall format to accommodate growing demand in construction and mining machinery. Meanwhile, the EAI SHOW in Shanghai is serving as a bridge for the embodied intelligence industry, connecting AI chip and sensor suppliers with end-users in logistics and manufacturing.