China Robot Makers Push Humanoids From Hype Toward Real-World Work

Chinese robotics companies are increasingly shifting their focus from spectacular demonstrations toward real commercial applications, showcasing humanoid robots performing logistics, factory and household tasks at the World Robot Conference in Beijing.

More than 300 companies are attending the event, presenting over 2,000 exhibits and launching more than 150 products as investor interest in humanoid robotics continues to surge.

Among the demonstrations, robots were shown sorting parcels, moving warehouse crates, packing smartphones and performing assembly-line work. Companies including Leju, Robotera and DexForce said their machines are already being tested or deployed in logistics facilities and manufacturing plants.

Robotera said it has more than 100 parcel-sorting robots across 15 warehouses, while DexForce has deployed humanoid systems at a Lens Technology factory supplying companies such as Apple and Huawei.

Household robotics companies are also preparing for commercialization. X Square Robot said it is testing robots in hundreds of homes this year ahead of a planned broader rollout next year.

The conference comes amid intense investor enthusiasm following Unitree’s blockbuster Shanghai debut, while other Chinese robotics companies are considering public listings.

China is positioning robotics as a strategic growth industry, with government officials emphasizing its role in manufacturing, logistics and services. The key test for the sector is now whether humanoid robots can move beyond demonstrations and deliver reliable productivity in real working environments.