Humanoid robots are stepping out of the realm of cold technology and into the warmth of everyday life, said Jiang Zheyuan, founder of Noetix Robotics, a Beijing-based humanoid robotics company.
In a recent interview with China Media Group (CMG), Jiang and his team showcased their "robot ensemble," including a bionic robot and the playful Bumi, fresh from their debut at the high-profile 2026 CMG Spring Festival Gala aired on the eve of the Chinese New Year's Day on February 16.
Titled "Grandma's Favorite," the sketch featured everything from playful robots performing backflips to the strikingly lifelike bionic "fake grandma" that left audiences amazed.
For Jiang, the Gala was more than just a stage to flaunt cutting-edge robotics. He wanted everyone to see that robots can be warm and interactive, not just technical marvels.
Behind the scenes, Noetix engineers meticulously crafted the bionic robot, starting with a 3D model of actress Cai Ming’s face and capturing her nuanced expressions. Dozens of prototypes were tested, experimenting with silicone materials, skin textures, and makeup techniques to achieve a perfect 1:1 replica.
"We didn't want to sacrifice the richness of facial expressions. We had to fit so many motors into such a small head [of the bionic robot], and still make the expressions look natural, with the mouth shapes just like those of a real person. The appearance had to be a 1:1 replica. Achieving all this in just over two months was a huge challenge," Jiang said.
He noted that one real test for robotics companies is how to integrate their products into real-life scenarios.
"Today, almost all robot companies need to answer how their products fit into real-world scenarios. For us, we are mainly looking at two big areas. One is education, including family companionship, and the other is entertainment, guiding, and reception," Jiang said.
Jiang also addressed the challenge of making humanoid robots accessible to ordinary families.
"The question we need to answer is that if we hope to enter households and let family users experience humanoid robots for the first time, what price should we set? If it's too expensive, it simply will not work. We want a price that is within the reach of families with some disposable income. 'Within reach' doesn't mean cheap, but it means our target customers can afford it. This isn't a price war to grab market shares, but an expansion of scenarios enabled by pricing," he said.
As humanoid robots move from dazzling gala performances to deeper roles in education, entertainment, and even elderly care, 2026 may well be remembered as a watershed year, Jiang said.
Robots leave cold tech behind for warm everyday life: Noetix Robotics founder
Robots leave cold tech behind for warm everyday life: Noetix Robotics founder
