Robots show off skills at 2026 World Robot Conference in Beijing

People watch robots performing rope jumping during the 2026 World Robot Conference in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 20, 2026. The conference, which runs from Wednesday through Sunday, has drawn more than 300 exhibitors from 26 countries, with over 3,000 products on display, including more than 300 debuts. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

A robot takes a piece of clothes out of a washing machine and puts it into a dryer during a simulated daily life scenario at the 2026 World Robot Conference in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 20, 2026. The conference, which runs from Wednesday through Sunday, has drawn more than 300 exhibitors from 26 countries, with over 3,000 products on display, including more than 300 debuts. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

A robot demonstrates breakfast-making abilities during the 2026 World Robot Conference in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 20, 2026. The conference, which runs from Wednesday through Sunday, has drawn more than 300 exhibitors from 26 countries, with over 3,000 products on display, including more than 300 debuts. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

People watch a tour guide robot during the 2026 World Robot Conference in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 20, 2026. The conference, which runs from Wednesday through Sunday, has drawn more than 300 exhibitors from 26 countries, with over 3,000 products on display, including more than 300 debuts. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

A robot takes goods ordered by customers at a simulated retail shop scenario during the 2026 World Robot Conference in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 19, 2026. The conference, which runs from Wednesday through Sunday, has drawn more than 300 exhibitors from 26 countries, with over 3,000 products on display, including more than 300 debuts. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

People watch a hand shadow dance of robot hands during the 2026 World Robot Conference in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 20, 2026. The conference, which runs from Wednesday through Sunday, has drawn more than 300 exhibitors from 26 countries, with over 3,000 products on display, including more than 300 debuts. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

A robot demonstrates multi-tasking abilities during the 2026 World Robot Conference in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 19, 2026. The conference, which runs from Wednesday through Sunday, has drawn more than 300 exhibitors from 26 countries, with over 3,000 products on display, including more than 300 debuts. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

A robot and a staff member demonstrate human-robot collaboration during the 2026 World Robot Conference in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 20, 2026. The conference, which runs from Wednesday through Sunday, has drawn more than 300 exhibitors from 26 countries, with over 3,000 products on display, including more than 300 debuts. (Xinhua/Xie Han)