The industrial application of artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a key topic at the annual session of the China Development Forum 2026, held in Beijing from March 22 to 23.

Themed "China in its 15th Five-Year Plan period: advancing high-quality development and creating new opportunities together," the forum underscores China's role as a major engine of global growth as it enters the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030).

China has placed growing emphasis on scaling AI for industrial use. For three consecutive years, the government work report has outlined plans under the "AI+" initiative. This year, it introduced the concept of building a "new form of intelligent economy," aiming to seize opportunities in AI development, expand its integration across industries and unlock new drivers of economic growth.

Recent performances by Unitree Robotics have sparked global attention over whether such machines are limited to stage shows. After stunning audiences with a traditional "Yangge" dance last year, the company returned to the spotlight at this year's China Media Group Spring Festival Gala with a martial arts-themed performance.

Experts say the technologies demonstrated on stage reflect core capabilities required for real-world deployment.

For example, the multi-robot coordination system used in the performance enabled dozens of robots to synchronize movements in complex formations in real time. This capability can be directly applied to industrial scenarios such as coordinated inspections, warehouse sorting, and assembly line operations.

Another breakthrough lies in compliant manipulation and resistance to external interference. During stick-fighting sequences, robots had to maintain grip while responding to external forces from human performers. This technology could be used in precision assembly, heavy-load handling, and even domestic services, allowing robots to adapt dynamically to disturbances.

The performance also showcased advanced relative positioning and environmental interaction. In high-speed parkour-style movements, robots demonstrated the ability to accurately assess spatial relationships and adjust their gait in real time, skills essential for tasks like shelf stocking, navigating tight spaces, and climbing stairs.

Unitree's Founder and CEO Wang Xingxing said that robots performing martial arts routines, with rapid movement and complex formations, suggests they will be even more stable in real-world work scenarios, giving users greater confidence.

In China, AI-powered humanoid robots are already showing strong application prospects across multiple sectors, including factory production lines and security patrols in industrial parks. Industry experts note that the integration of AI with smartphones, computers, vehicles and robotics could fundamentally reshape consumer experiences, potentially creating new industries worth hundreds of billions, or even trillions, of dollars, while also generating significant demand on the consumer side.