The 2024 World Robot Conference (WRC), running from August 21 to 25 in Beijing, is the largest ever exhibition of humanoid robots, featuring 27 different types of such robots. 

One of the standout attractions is a robot that can skillfully play the Chinese dulcimer. This remarkable feat is achieved through a learning process that takes only two to three days. Another robot, designed to resemble a young man, can mimic its partner's facial expressions in real time, thanks to a camera that captures facial movements.

A robotic hand that plays rock paper scissors has also been popular, calculating and executing movements at lightning pace.

Also on display is Tiangong, a Chinese humanoid robot capable of reaching speeds of up to 6 kilometers per hour. According to its developer, running on a treadmill is more challenging than on the ground due to the need to adjust strides to the moving belt. The goal is for Tiangong to eventually navigate various terrains, including grasslands, sand and hills.

Liang Liang, deputy secretary-general of the Chinese Institute of Electronics, emphasized the immense potential of the humanoid robots sector. He called for collaborative efforts to drive its growth, noting that humanoid robots are a crucial representation of the new quality productivity.

The five-day WRC event has attracted 416 guests, including scientists, entrepreneurs and academics from around the globe. Besides, 169 global companies, such as ABB, Tesla, Kuka and SMC, are showcasing their latest innovations through over 600 exhibits.

(Cover image via CFP)