At the World AI Conference in Shanghai, humanoid robots captivated attendees by serving craft beer, playing mahjong, and even boxing, highlighting China’s swift progress in artificial intelligence. The event featured over 800 companies and more than 3,000 products, with humanoid robots taking center stage through their unique demonstrations. Premier Li Qiang inaugurated the conference, announcing China’s initiative to create a new AI governance body, balancing innovation with risk management. The atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm, as Yang Yifan, R&D director at Shanghai-based AI firm Transwarp, noted the strong demand in data, scenarios, model training, and artificial construction. This year’s conference follows a significant milestone for Chinese AI, with startup DeepSeek unveiling an AI model in January that rivals top US systems at a lower cost. Exhibits included robots drumming to Queen’s “We Will Rock You,” playing curling, and serving drinks, though some movements remained slightly unrefined, showing clear progress from previous years. China has heavily invested in robotics, possibly gaining an edge over the US, with Hangzhou-based Unitree showcasing its G1 android performing fluid boxing moves and announcing a full-sized humanoid robot priced under $6,000. Beyond hardware, AI companions interacted with visitors via screens, with Baidu introducing its latest “digital humans,” capable of decision-making and collaboration. These avatars reportedly outperformed human streamers in e-commerce sales during a live broadcast. Baidu also secured approval for fully driverless robotaxis in Shanghai’s Pudong district, furthering AI integration. Despite concerns about job displacement, Baidu’s Wu Chenxia emphasized AI’s role in enhancing efficiency rather than replacing humans. Visitors were captivated by the technology on display, with Yang highlighting China’s strong data foundation and numerous opportunities for experimentation in AI development.
Are humanoid robots the highlight of Shanghai’s AI conference?
