Humanoid robots emerged as one of the biggest attractions at the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, reflecting the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence from software-based systems to machines capable of performing physical tasks in real-world environments. The annual conference, which opened on July 17, brought together more than 1,100 companies and featured over 3,000 AI-related exhibits, making it one of the world's largest showcases of artificial intelligence technologies.
Visitors witnessed a wide range of humanoid robots demonstrating capabilities that extended beyond choreographed performances. Robots were seen playing table tennis, interacting with visitors, carrying objects, performing industrial tasks and showcasing increasingly sophisticated dexterous movements. AI-powered robotic hands and service robots designed for manufacturing, logistics, healthcare and consumer applications also featured prominently across the exhibition halls.
Held under the theme "AI Partnership for a Brighter Future", this year's conference placed significant emphasis on embodied AI, a field that combines advanced AI models with physical machines capable of sensing, reasoning and acting in dynamic environments. Industry participants used the event to demonstrate how AI is moving beyond chatbots and digital assistants into robots designed to collaborate with humans in factories, offices and homes.
According to organisers, more than 300 products made their global debut during the conference. The exhibition expanded to over 100,000 square metres for the first time, underscoring the increasing commercial interest in AI hardware alongside software innovation. Demonstrations included collaborative robots, autonomous machines, smart devices and AI agents designed to execute complex tasks with limited human intervention.
Humanoid robots remained the primary crowd puller throughout the event. Several companies demonstrated robots capable of walking independently, maintaining balance, manipulating objects with precision and interacting naturally with people. The displays reflected growing investments in robotics as companies race to commercialise machines that can assist in manufacturing, warehousing, elderly care and customer service.
China has emerged as one of the leading markets for humanoid robotics, supported by government initiatives and increasing investment in AI infrastructure. According to information presented during the conference, the country's annual production of humanoid robots is expected to exceed 100,000 units this year, highlighting the pace at which the sector is scaling toward commercial deployment.
The conference also highlighted broader AI trends, including multimodal AI, intelligent devices, AI-powered smartphones, smart glasses and autonomous systems. While generative AI continues to attract global attention, exhibitors demonstrated that physical AI is becoming an equally important focus for technology companies seeking to integrate AI into everyday environments.
The growing emphasis on humanoid robotics reflects a wider shift across the AI industry toward embodied intelligence, where AI systems interact directly with the physical world rather than operating solely through digital interfaces. Researchers and companies are increasingly focusing on improving robot mobility, manipulation, perception and reasoning to enable wider commercial adoption.
As competition in global AI intensifies, WAIC 2026 illustrated how robotics is becoming a central pillar of next generation AI development. With advances in hardware, foundation models and autonomous decision-making converging, humanoid robots are moving closer to practical deployment across industries, signalling a new phase in the evolution of artificial intelligence.
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