Boxing, Backflipping Robots Rule at China’s Biggest AI Summit

This week, Shanghai became the epicenter of innovation as robots of all shapes and sizes captivated thousands at China’s premier annual AI summit. Attendees were treated to an impressive display of robotic capabilities, from clunky six-foot machines to agile back-flipping canine robots, all showcasing their functions in various entertaining roles. Among the highlights were robots designed by notable companies like Unitree, UBTech Robotics Corp., and Agibot, which have gained recognition in a competitive landscape filled with startups and tech giants striving to develop the most advanced humanoid robots. These machines, designed for tasks ranging from serving refreshments to sparring in boxing matches, epitomize China’s swift progress in the realm of artificial intelligence. Unitree unveiled an entry-level robot priced at $6,000, while ByteDance Ltd. shared a video of its Mini robot successfully hanging up a shirt just days before the conference commenced. "The technology is advancing rapidly," remarked Eric Wang, Americas director at Deep Robotics, in an interview with Bloomberg Television. He expressed that, in the U.S. market, there remains a lack of cost-effective and reliable competitors, a situation he believes will not change in the near future. Chinese startups are relentlessly pushing the limits of innovation in a field that evokes both admiration and apprehension. While American firms like Boston Dynamics have struggled to establish a commanding lead, lesser-known companies such as EngineAI and Leju are making significant strides. In 2025, humanoid robots participated in events like half-marathons, kickboxing tournaments, and football matches, albeit with mixed results and some amusing mishaps. Despite the spectacle at the conference, industry experts caution that widespread adoption of humanoid robots in everyday life is still years away. "It looks lively and bustling, but it's all for show on the stage," commented Alex Zhou, a partner at Qiming Venture, during a panel discussion, emphasizing the gap between demonstration and practical application. Nevertheless, the momentum in robotics is unmistakable, with predictions from Citigroup Inc. estimating a $7 trillion market for humanoid robots by 2050, a race China is determined to win. The sector has witnessed a surge in startups fueled by government support and a wealth of incentives, alongside advancements in domestic semiconductor production and open-source AI models. However, the landscape is not without its challenges. The robotics industry faces fierce competition, and many startups may not survive the financial pressures of this demanding market. Tim Wang, co-founder of startup investor Monolith Management, noted an influx of new founders this year, suggesting that while the competition is intense, it could benefit the overall growth of the industry. China’s robotics sector is also confronting internal contradictions, as the nation grapples with a demographic decline and a shrinking workforce that threatens its manufacturing prowess. Human-like robots may provide a viable solution to these challenges. "Despite significant hurdles, we can expect more breakthroughs in the near future," stated Wu Bi, a technical lead at Deep Touch, in front of a statue of Aphrodite that was astonishingly conversing in perfect Chinese.