The World AI Conference 2026 in Shanghai, held over a four-day run in mid‑July, put a spotlight on a new wave of robots aimed at both industrial production and everyday life. The event’s throughline was spectacular demonstrations and prototypes designed around human interaction.
Versatile robots on display
Exhibitors rotated machines through performance-driven and practical tasks: robots playing table tennis and soccer, units sorting objects, automatons crafting balloon sculptures, and robots performing traditional tea ceremonies. These demonstrations highlighted a wide range of use cases — from entertainment to logistics — and showcased advances in interactive and manipulative capabilities.
Humanoids and robotic hands take center stage
Humanoids and AI‑driven robotic hands were among the show’s main attractions. One humanoid, dubbed “Xia Lan,” stood out for its lifelike skin, blinking eyes and warm voice, while dexterous robotic hands were demonstrated in fine‑grip tasks, illustrating progress in precision manipulation.
Production on the rise
Organizers also emphasized the industrial scale behind these innovations: national production of humanoid robots is expected to surpass 100,000 units this year. The figure points to a maturing supply chain and a shift toward higher‑volume manufacturing, reinforcing robots’ growing role across diverse applications.
Where technology meets spectacle
Beyond technical showcases, the conference offered mixed experiences of AI, culture and entertainment. Visitors posed with humanoids, watched robots participate in interviews and interacted with small companion robots — underscoring the event’s participatory nature and efforts to make AI more tangible to the public.
