Chinese robot makers push real-world use at CES

Robots of all shapes and sizes emerged as one of the most talked-about technologies at the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). 

While in previous years the show was dominated by concept demos, this year's CES focused on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into everyday devices, signaling a shift toward real-world deployment.

Chinese robotics companies stood out with more mature products and integrated solutions, demonstrating applications across households, mobility, services and industry. Technologies on show tackled practical, everyday tasks.

From industrial humanoid robots and home cleaning devices to companion robots and embodied intelligence systems, AI is increasingly evolving from purely software-based algorithms into physical, autonomous agents operating in real environments.

In the competitive field of humanoid and embodied robotics, Chinese companies have well and truly established themselves as a tour de force. 

Interactive performances, such as robots dancing, boxing and playing table tennis with humans, caught the limelight. Also attracting ample attention were companion robots that have evolved from single-task assistants to long-term interactive partners for children, capable of learning, communication and entertainment. 

Elsewhere, cutting their chops in dynamic outdoor environments, embodied AI models demonstrated mobility, environmental perception and basic movement, while robots were even seen entering energy storage and energy-related applications.

Chinese robots won praise for their industrial design, with one exhibitor from India declaring, "they have a very good future." "I'll probably get one to test later," he added. "(Chinese companies) are learning from all the robots in the world," a Spanish visitor observed.  

Chinese industry leaders say the sector's competitiveness is rooted in strong engineering capabilities, a complete supply chain and fast-paced R&D iteration.

China benefits from a large pool of skilled industrial engineers and strong advantages in global supply chain, according to Gu Jiawei, CEO and founder of Ling Technology. Amplifying and expanding on this point, Sun Guoyong, co-founder of Suzhou Shentingji Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd., said China has grown from a follower into an industry leader.

From demonstration to deployment, and from labs to real-world scenarios, CES 2026 delivered a clear message: robots are approaching large-scale application – and Chinese companies are turning that future into reality.

(Cover: The annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada, the US, January 7, 2026. /VCG)