Humanoid robots showcase advanced medical surgeries and daily-use tasks at 2026 Shanghai AI conference

At the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, exhibitors displayed humanoid robots capable of performing real‑world tasks, such as dispensing medication in a smart pharmacy and assisting elderly or patients, signalling a shift from novelty to practical everyday use.

Separately, researchers in the United States reported the first fully remote‑controlled humanoid‑robot surgeries in a pre‑clinical trial on pigs. Using Chinese‑developed Unitree G1 humanoid platforms adapted for laparoscopic gallbladder removal, human surgeons operated the robots from a distance without AI decision‑making. The work highlights the possibility of low‑cost, remote surgical assistance for smaller hospitals and clinics.