Exhibition of 1,500 Advanced Robots
Testing Commercialization Models Through Restaurants
As China has declared this year as the inaugural year for the commercialization of humanoid robots, the "2025 World Robot Conference (WRC)," which offers a glimpse into the global trends of the robotics industry, opened in Beijing on August 8.
A humanoid robot is interacting with visitors at the world's first humanoid intelligent robot 4S store located in Beijing, China. Photo by AP Yonhap News
This event is co-hosted by the Chinese Institute of Electronics and the World Robot Cooperation Organization. Approximately 220 domestic and international robot and AI companies, including Nvidia, a leading company in the AI semiconductor sector, are participating. The conference is being held over five days at the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (Yizhuang) and will continue until August 12.
This year's conference is themed "Smarter Robots, More Intelligent Embodiment," and features a total of over 1,500 types of robots on display. Among them, more than 100 are new products being unveiled for the first time, showcasing cutting-edge technologies across various fields, including quadruped robots, rescue robots, and autonomous lawn-mowing robots. At the venue, autonomous minibuses without drivers transport visitors, robots serve coffee, and real-time robot combat matches are held, making futuristic technology a part of everyday life.
A man is controlling a humanoid robot at the world's first humanoid intelligent robot 4S store located in Beijing, China. Photo by AP Yonhap News
Robot Restaurant Also Operating on a Trial Basis
Near the event venue, the world's first restaurant exclusively operated by robots has opened. This restaurant, currently being piloted by the Beijing municipal government, is fully automated with robots handling every process, from reservation confirmation and guest guidance to musical performances and food and beverage service. At the entrance, a receptionist robot with a female face and attire greets guests, while inside, robot musicians play the piano and drums to enliven the atmosphere.
In the adjacent store, about 60 types of robots for industry, care, and play are on display and for sale. The most affordable desktop robot is priced at 1,499 yuan, high-end humanoid robots are priced at 195,000 yuan, and multifunctional robots that can assist with housework or childcare are priced up to 680,000 yuan.
On August 14, the "world's first robot Olympics" will be held at the Beijing National Speed Skating Oval. The competition will feature a total of 26 events, providing a stage where the actual performance and practical potential of robot technology can be witnessed firsthand.
China Plans to Invest '1 Trillion Yuan' in the Robotics Industry
The Chinese government plans to invest 1 trillion yuan (approximately 193 trillion won) in the AI and robotics sectors in the future. According to China Central Television (CCTV), in the first half of this year, there were 108 investments and fundraising cases in the humanoid robot sector within China, with a cumulative amount reaching approximately 15.35 billion yuan (about 2.96 trillion won). In addition, as of last year, China accounted for about two-thirds of all global robot patents, and with an industrial robot production volume of 556,000 units, it has maintained the world's top position for 11 consecutive years.
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