China showcases robust development momentum of embodied AI at robot conference

The ongoing 2025 World Robot Conference in Beijing has seen the demonstration of robust development momentum by China's embodied intelligence industry, with over 100 new robot products unveiled by Chinese manufacturers collectively at the event.

At the five-day conference, which opened on Friday, Chinese tech companies unveiled a range of intelligent robots that became the center of attention, including humanoid robots capable of rotating 360 degrees and landing steadily, embodied artificial intelligence (AI) robots that can autonomously collaborate to complete over 20 precise laboratory steps like sampling with test tube and analysis, as well as robotic hands with human-like tactile perception to directly "sense" physical object properties.

Many critical components of these highly advanced robots are manufactured in China, highlighting the nation's comprehensive innovation in the whole robot industry chain.

"Multiple core component manufacturers have entered the humanoid robot sector, keeping increasing investment in key foundational products like integrated joints and tactile sensors. Cross-industry players from the automotive and semiconductor fields are also extending the robot industry chain through products reuse and customized innovations," said Xu Xiaolan, president of the Chinese Institute of Electronics, in an interview with China Media Group (CMG).

According to data, the number of humanoid robot manufacturers participating in the conference has grown from 27 to 50 comparing with the previous year, while the total count of robotic exhibits has surged from over 600 to more than 1,500, with new product launches increasing from 60 to over 100 units.

This rapid growth benefits from China's coordinated national-to-local strategy for robotics industry.

Currently, China has established national-local jointly constructed robotics innovation centers along with various provincial-level research hubs in provinces and cities including Beijing, Shanghai, and Zhejiang.

These institutions are striving to achieve joint breakthroughs through in-depth integration in the development of core technologies, hardware, open-source models, and big data applications, ultimately forming a deeply integrated ecosystem that combines efforts involving the government, industry, universities and research institutions.

Co-hosted by the Chinese Institute of Electronics and the World Robot Cooperation Organization, the 2025 World Robot Conference features forums, exhibitions, competitions and networking events, with over 200 robotics companies from around the world presenting their latest innovations.

China showcases robust development momentum of embodied AI at robot conference

The Tianzhou-9 cargo craft, tasked with carrying supplies for China's space station, undocked from the station combination at 16:34 Wednesday (Beijing Time) and switched to independent flight, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).

The cargo craft will re-enter the atmosphere in a controlled manner at an appropriate time. During the process, a small amount of debris that survives the ablation will fall into the designated safe waters, the CMSA said.

Tianzhou-9 was launched on July 15, 2025 from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in the southern island province of Hainan, and then docked with the orbiting Tiangong space station. It carried supplies including astronaut consumables for in-orbit stay, propellant and application experiment equipment.

China's Tianzhou-9 cargo craft undocks from space station combination