The ongoing 2026 World Robot Conference in Beijing opened its doors to the public on Saturday, drawing massive crowds to watch robot dance performances and thrilling combat matches at the exhibition hall.
At the venue earlier in the day, visitors packed tightly around performance areas. On one side, a robot danced to music, while on the other, two robots engaged in a fierce combat match.
"The combat between the two robots look so real. Their joints are incredibly agile, almost like real fighters. It is really exciting," said a visitor.
A foreign visitor who had also attended last year's inaugural event noted the rapid progress: "When I came last year, it's maybe less advanced. Now it's half to one year, it's taken a big leap forward, I think, the technology. Very impressive."
Yao Qiyuan, an exhibitor, said, "The robot combat events serve as a comprehensive test of robot performance. It's not just about algorithms, but also the stability, reliability and durability of the mechanical structure, all of which are verified through this kind of extreme competition."
Young visitors were a prominent presence at the event.
"The conference lets me see the latest technological developments in China and around the world, and I can feel the progress of science and technology," said 15-year-old Guo Minghao. Zhang Mingxiang, a middle school student from central China's Hunan Province, echoed the sentiment: "I'm really passionate about science, robotics and AI. Having such an opportunity to see the world and learn new things is something I couldn't miss."
The conference, which ran from Wednesday to Sunday, has brought together more than 300 exhibitors from 26 countries, with over 3,000 products on display, including more than 300 debuts.
World Robot Conference draws crowds on public day in Beijing
