Humanoid Robots Demonstrate Diverse Skills at Hong Kong Showcase
More than one hundred humanoid robots were displayed at two concurrent exhibitions commencing Monday at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center. The event highlighted the rapid evolution of robotics, with machines performing tasks ranging from conversational customer service to athletic demonstrations like boxing and backflips.
Chinese Manufacturers Lead Global Robotics Race
China has emerged as a dominant force in humanoid robotics, with official data revealing over 140 manufacturers and more than 330 distinct models in 2025. This growth aligns with Beijing's strategic five-year plan targeting scientific and technological frontiers, specifically accelerating humanoid robot development between 2026 and 2030.
According to London-based technology research firm Omdia, three Chinese companies—AGIBOT, Unitree Robotics, and UBTech Robotics Corp.—are classified as first-tier global vendors based on shipment volumes. These manufacturers each shipped over 1,000 general-purpose embodied intelligent robots last year, with AGIBOT and Unitree exceeding 5,000 units.
Emotional AI and Human-like Interactions
Exhibitors emphasized advancements in emotional artificial intelligence. Calvin Chiu, Chief Operating Officer of Novautek Autonomous Driving and AGIBOT's Hong Kong agent, described robots capable of providing emotional satisfaction through conversation, serving as educational companions for children and elderly users.
"It would be like a friend," Chiu stated, noting that different personalities can be programmed into various robot models. The X2 Ultra robot from AGIBOT demonstrated this capability by answering audience questions in both Mandarin and English, describing nearby individuals, and listing hobbies including sports, dancing, and technology study.
Customer Service Robots with Female Features
Shenzhen DX Intech Technology Co. showcased humanoid robots designed with female characteristics and soft synthetic faces. Business Director Wang Zuhua reported selling more than 400 units, with many already deployed in mainland Chinese museums and government venues where they guide visitors to facilities and provide tour services.
From a distance, these robots appear as human greeters, but closer inspection reveals their mechanical nature. Malaysian visitor Russel Lupang expressed amazement at their appearance and movements, though noted "It's beautiful, but not real feeling."
Manufacturing Advantages and Future Development
Robert Chan, Global Strategy Officer at Shenzhen-based EngineAI, highlighted China's competitive advantages in low-cost engineering and collaborative knowledge sharing between companies. His company demonstrated the PM01 robot's mobility with front flip capabilities and plans to open two mass production factories in China this year.
Chan predicted the next robotics evolution will feature more human-like bodies with enhanced emotional exchanges, facial expressions, and even simulated breathing. "The warmth and emotion exchange with the human being. Besides, helping humans to make the decision and helping humans to complete their task," he explained.
Cultural Integration and Security Applications
The technology has already entered mainstream Chinese culture, with humanoid robots featured prominently in February's CCTV Spring Festival gala during a martial arts performance with children. Exhibition demonstrations also included security applications, with robots showcasing suspect apprehension using nets during patrol simulations.
Other capabilities on display included sand painting, conversational interaction, and various athletic maneuvers, illustrating the diverse potential applications for humanoid robotics in entertainment, service industries, security, and beyond.
