From vintage streets and robot manufacturing to robot boxing, WAIC 2025 showcases the newest advancements in robotics technology from China.

      Credit: TechNode

      From July 26 to 28, the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) took place in Shanghai, focusing on the theme Global Solidarity in the AI Era. According to the organizers, this year’s conference featured participation from over 80 companies involved in embodied intelligence, a notable increase from the 18 robotics companies that attended last year.

      A key attraction was the WAIC Robotics Street, a fusion of retro and futuristic elements designed to evoke 1990s Shanghai, complete with supermarkets, snack streets, repair shops, industrial workshops, and community centers, all staffed by advanced humanoid robots.

      On this street, robots demonstrated a wide array of abilities. In the mini supermarket, they selected drinks from the shelves and presented them to customers. They also prepared oden, a traditional Japanese winter dish, and actively sold popcorn to inquisitive attendees.

      In the repair shop, robots were busy tightening screws, while in the industrial workshop, they engaged in sorting materials. At the cultural center, they entertained guests by writing calligraphy, playing gongs and drums, and dancing.

      Another popular booth showcased Unitree’s robot boxing ring, featuring matches between pairs of its humanoid robot G1, which stands at 1.32 meters, weighs 35 kilograms, and has 29 flexible joints along with an intelligent balance algorithm. The robot showcased agility with punch combinations and spinning kicks, and quickly regained its footing after falling.

      Mech-Mind Robotics exhibited a representation of embodied intelligence through a full-stack integration of “eyes, brain, and hands.” Utilizing the Mech-GPT multimodal large model, their robots showcased the ability to execute tasks across different scenarios.

      In the exhibition area, a dual-arm robot folded clothes, a humanoid robot handed items from shelves to visitors, and a robotic arm worked on sheet metal parts. This coordination was supported by 3D high-precision cameras, machine vision software, and dexterous five-fingered hands.

      From the booth tour, this journalist observes that industrial robots have become more practical and advanced compared to humanoid robots. They have already proven their value in logistics, manufacturing, and automation, bolstered by the necessary hardware and software. As AI and perception systems continue to progress, industrial robots are evolving to be smarter, more adaptable, and easier to implement.

      Currently, in China, industrial robots have established themselves as a reliable solution for parcel sorting, particularly in automated warehouses and logistics centers. A prominent example is SF Express, a Chinese logistics company, which has implemented robotic sorting systems in its smart logistics parks.

      Jessie Wu is a technology reporter based in Shanghai. She covers consumer electronics, semiconductors, and the gaming industry for TechNode. You can reach her via email at [email protected].

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