On the afternoon of the 8th, at 1 p.m. in the Beijing Yizhuang Economic and Technological Development Zone, a long line formed at the convention center through the pouring rain. As I entered the exhibition hall at the end of the line, the first thing I encountered was the humanoid robot 'Budae.' At the Ubitec booth, designed to resemble an internal logistics center with racks and totes piled up, humanoids and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) lined up, and about 10 humanoid robots stood in two rows in front of a long table set up like a conveyor belt, demonstrating the process of a logistics center by moving dolls.
Inside the crowded exhibition hall, humanoids and robotic dogs busily walked around, while robotic birds flew in the air. The curious spectators ranged from kindergarten children to elderly individuals with gray hair. In front of the humanoid exhibition area, spectators stood in several overlapping rows, adding to the excitement.
The 10th World Robot Conference (WRC) opened on the 8th in Beijing. The WRC, taking place over five days until the 12th, is jointly organized by the China Institute of Electronics and the World Robot Cooperation Organization, with 220 corporations participating. Although NVIDIA did not have a separate exhibition booth, a light green sign reading 'NVIDIA Partner' was set up in front of robotic products equipped with NVIDIA products.
At the event that day, over 1,500 types of robots welcomed spectators. Various service humanoids, as well as industrial robots for tasks such as welding, painting, and vision sensing, along with two-wheeled robots and drones, showcased their technological capabilities, while everyday robots that enhance convenience in life captured the interest of visitors.
Notably, there were many general spectators, including families with children, as well as media and industry representatives at this exhibition. The exhibits that attracted families the most were the humanoid competitions. Booster Robotics and Unitree each showcased soccer and martial arts matches, which, although still somewhat slow and clumsy, added to the excitement of the exhibition.
In addition, spectators actively experienced robots that can be used in daily life, such as companion robots, care robots, mobility robots, and walking assistance robots, revealing a high interest in the industry.
Near the venue, a 'robot 4S store' officially opened on that day. It is the world's first store encompassing sales, parts, services, and information feedback. Upon entering the first-floor exhibition hall, home robots greeted visitors first. Humanoids covered with silicone skin and dressed to look just like humans, along with child-sized mini robots and household assistant robots, caught the eye.
A child-sized robot, measuring palm-sized, is capable of interaction such as talking, singing, dancing, and education, priced at 3,820 yuan (approximately 740,000 won), with over 500,000 units sold. The household assistant robot can help with cooking, laundry, and folding clothes, capable of folding a shirt in 10 to 20 seconds.
Medical robots were also notable. According to the store, a dental surgical robot helps doctors complete implant surgeries within 30 minutes. This robot has already been implemented in medical settings, successfully implanting over 20,000 teeth in about 10,000 surgeries.
There was also an orthopedic surgical robot capable of real-time computed tomography (CT) and remote surgeries. Without needing to leave the surgical room, patients can receive surgery while monitoring their conditions in real time through CT scans, and doctors can perform surgeries remotely from outside the operating room, avoiding radiation. Remote surgeries can be performed across rooms, regions, or even countries, as long as they pass through a medical-exclusive network.
In one corner of the exhibition hall, there were robotic fish and cockroach robots on display. These robots perform tasks such as monitoring, inspecting, and exploring in places that are difficult for humans to access. Additionally, the second-floor exhibition hall provided a space where various robots could be experienced. Robots built to resemble Einstein and Chinese poet Li Bai, outfitted with artificial intelligence (AI) software to learn information about the individuals and data related to science and literature, allowed conversations with the robots. You could also learn Go from the robots.
Near the store, a 'robot restaurant' also opened. Aside from food preparation, all tasks such as beverage production, table management, and serving are handled by robots. At the bar table visible as soon as you enter, there are two robots, one male and one female, with human-like upper bodies and wheeled lower bodies. After placing an order, a robotic dog brings the food on its back. Inside the restaurant, a robotic band also plays music. While the craftsmanship of each robot is still not perfect, it offered a glimpse into a future where robots integrate into everyday spaces.
In recent weeks, China, which has been showcasing its robotic technology, is also holding a robot consumer festival from the 2nd to the 17th of this month to promote robot commercialization. Robotics companies can promote and sell their products in the Yizhuang area, and individual buyers can receive consumer coupons worth up to 1,500 yuan.