Digital News

　　From August 8 to 12, the 2025 World Robot Conference, themed “Making Robots Smarter, Making Embodied Agents More Intelligent,” was held in Beijing. This five-day event offered a spectacular showcase of the latest advances in robotics. More than 400 experts, scholars, entrepreneurs, and representatives from international organizations came together to explore cutting-edge technologies and share the latest products and applications. A total of 220 leading robotics companies from China and abroad unveiled more than 1,500 products, including over 100 making their world debut.

　　The World Robot Conference has now marked its tenth successful edition. “Over the past decade, it has been committed to fostering the integration of technological and industrial innovation, enhancing the quality and efficiency of robotics applications, and expanding international exchanges and cooperation. It has evolved into a global stage for innovation leadership, industry advancement, application promotion, and international collaboration, while also serving as a driving force, active participant, and witness to robots empowering industries and becoming part of everyday life in countless homes and workplaces,” said Xu Xiaolan, President of the Chinese Institute of Electronics.

　　Walking into the World Robot Conference is like stepping into a future world powered by robots. In more than 500 scenarios, ranging from manufacturing, warehouse logistics, to security, household services, education, and medical care, robots of various shapes and functions from different companies showcase their abilities for the audience’s “inspection.” Some move toward shelves to pick items precisely according to orders; others stand guard at the goal, poised to block an incoming shot; still others sort through heaps of clothing, skillfully folding them before placing them neatly into storage boxes…

　　These scenes offer only a glimpse into the progress of the robotics industry. Robots that can instantly process commands and respond with swift, steady, and seamless movements are a clear testament to the rapid pace of technological iteration and the remarkable strides in intelligence.

　　Xu Xiaolan noted that in 2024, China’s robot patent applications accounted for two-thirds of the global total. Additionally, a robust lineup of domestically developed core robot components has emerged, while breakthroughs continue in key technologies such as large robot models, intelligent collaborative control, and human–computer interaction. The foundational framework for robot standards is taking shape, and service systems for pilot testing, inspection, and certification are being rolled out at an accelerated pace.

　　China attaches great importance to the development of its robotics industry. Statistics show that in the first half of this year, the industry’s operating revenue grew by 27.8% year-on-year, with the output of industrial and service robots increasing 35.6% and 25.5%, respectively. For 12 consecutive years, China has remained the world’s largest market for industrial robots and the top producer globally. Furthermore, according to the statistics, China’s industrial robot production has risen sharply, from 33,000 units in 2015 to 556,000 units in 2024, while service robot output jumped from 6.623 million units in 2020 to 10.519 million units in 2025. Industrial robots have been used across 71 major industry categories and 236 subcategories within the national economy, and robot density in manufacturing has climbed to the third-highest level in the world.

　　At the conference, the standout attraction was undoubtedly “Robot World 2.0,” the world’s first integrated robotics ecosystem platform. According to the information, the platform has launched two innovative forms of consumption: the world’s first 4S store for embodied intelligent robots and the “Robot Restaurant.” Anchored by this platform, the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area has partnered with well-known robotics companies and key innovation hubs, including the Beijing Innovation Center of Humanoid Robotics, to establish a new landmark for the global robotics industry ecosystem.

　　Milk tea, coffee, pancakes, skewers… at the “Robot Restaurant,” a wide variety of drinks and snacks are freshly prepared on-site by robots. From the moment they step in, guests can enjoy a full suite of intelligent services, including holographic light-and-shadow greetings and bionic humanoid robot bartenders. Throughout the dining experience, guests are entertained by a robot band and robot-hosted talk shows featuring historical figures. The restaurant is designed to offer an immersive consumer experience that seamlessly integrates “culinary delights, cultural exploration, and interactive technology.”

　　The 4S store for embodied intelligent robots is aimed at effectively closing the “last mile” in bringing robotics from development to real-world application. Drawing inspiration from traditional automotive 4S stores, it features over 100 products across seven categories, including medical, industrial, companion, bionic, humanoid biped, integrated, and wheeled humanoid robots. For enterprise clients, the store provides an integrated model of “scenario-based experience, instant sales, and service delivery,” while also offering customized development, financing, and robot leasing options. This creates a complete pathway for robotics companies to bring products from R&D to market, while offering users a cutting-edge platform for hands-on interaction and experience. During the conference, 19,000 robots and related products were sold in total, generating more than 200 million yuan in revenue.

　　“In the future, ‘Robot World 2.0’ is set to include a robot-run hotel providing full-process intelligent services, aiming to become a new landmark for technology-driven tourism and business while continuing to lead innovation and integration in the robotics industry,” said a related official from Beijing. At present, Beijing ranks among the leading cities in China for robotics development. The humanoid robot industry alone makes up about one-third of the national market, with industry revenue rising nearly 40% in the first half of this year. Beijing leads the country in the number of specialized, high-end, and innovation-driven “little giant” robotics companies. Looking ahead, the city will continue to boost support for the robotics industry and work to establish itself as an internationally influential hub for robotics innovation.