How many companies are in the R&D center hosting the carnival?

The center houses more than 100 companies that research, develop, manufacture, and market robotic technologies and equipment.

Embodied AI is the idea of embedding AI into physical systems, and it was a key facet of China's latest five-year plan.

What challenges do humanoids face elsewhere?

Humanoids' progress has been slow elsewhere due to safety challenges from their heft and need to balance on two legs, plus high prices and short battery life.

RoboticsAI Business & IndustryMIT Technology Review AIAug 25, 2026Aug 25, 2026, 19:01 JST

Shanghai robot carnival draws families

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3 Key Points

What happened
An R&D center on the outskirts of Shanghai held a robot 'carnival' on a public holiday, drawing families to see and buy robotic products, including a mini robotic dog that an 11-year-old boy received as a gift. The event showcased robots performing tasks like making coffee, folding T-shirts, and entertaining crowds with martial arts and flips.
Why it matters
The carnival is part of China's strategy to embed AI into physical systems, known as embodied AI, which was a key facet of the latest five-year plan. Nearly 90% of the more than 13,000 two-armed, two-legged robots delivered globally last year were made in China. Public showcases help win over hearts and minds, as humanoids elsewhere face safety, price, and battery life challenges.
What to watch
Farther along, two remote-controlled robots fired water beads at each other in a battle that was declared a draw. The article suggests Chinese firms are pushing forward with humanoids, with shopping malls and tourist attractions in several other cities hosting performances, and bipedal robots running half-marathons in Beijing.

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Context & Analysis

The carnival is part of a broader push in China to integrate AI into daily life through physical robots. The country's five-year plan highlights embodied AI, and Chinese companies are already world leaders in humanoids, with nearly 90% of global two-armed, two-legged robots made in China last year. This public exposure is crucial, as humanoids elsewhere struggle with safety, cost, and battery issues.

While the event was mostly for show, it serves to familiarize the public with robots and build acceptance. Demonstrations like the robotic dog tricks and the water-bead battle are designed to make robots approachable. The article notes that Chinese firms are pushing forward, with other cities hosting similar performances and bipedal robots running half-marathons in Beijing, suggesting a coordinated effort to promote this technology.

FAQ

How many companies are in the R&D center hosting the carnival?: The center houses more than 100 companies that research, develop, manufacture, and market robotic technologies and equipment.
What is embodied AI?: Embodied AI is the idea of embedding AI into physical systems, and it was a key facet of China's latest five-year plan.
What challenges do humanoids face elsewhere?: Humanoids' progress has been slow elsewhere due to safety challenges from their heft and need to balance on two legs, plus high prices and short battery life.

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