Humanoid robots show diversified applicable scenarios at World Robot Conference 2024

Humanoid robots are showcasing intriguing wizardry at the ongoing World Robot Conference 2024 (WRC) in Beijing as they have made stunning outperformance in multiple applicable scenarios from cooking to instrument performance.

At an exhibition area of the 2024 WRC, a unique football match captures people's attention. Attendees gather here to applaud and cheer for the robot-players.

"It's different with the football matches we normally see, matches played by humans are more intense. I hope the robot players can run faster and become smarter in the future," said a boy at the exhibition area. Robots can applicate what they learn from virtual environment into the real world. The football matches could test and optimize algorithms empowering robots so that they would get more autonomous and coordinated while performing tasks, according to the exhibitor.

At other exhibition areas, humanoid robots continue to amaze people as they are seen making burgers with advanced bionic robot arms, practicing Chinese calligraphy, exercising martial arts and playing Yangqin, a traditional Chinese instrument.

"Those robots are capable of doing a lot of work, from cooking to chores, and their edge lies at being able to quickly learn and command human capabilities. For example, learning how to play the instrument Yangqin from a teacher, a robot can reach level 10 just in a couple of hours," said Lai Jie, founder of the Chinese tech company Astribot.

There are also bionic humanoid robots that look, act and talk more like human at the venue. Their human-like appearances and stunning capacities of fast learning and interaction attracts attendees.

"The robot can comprehend what is happening through its own observation, and then generate contents and behaviors based on our requests. In the future, it will be a customer-oriented smart product catering to personal needs, such as house-keeping, babysitting and tutoring," said Li Boyang, CEO of EXrobots, a Dalian-based Chinese tech company.

The 2024 WRC opened in Beijing on Wednesday, bringing together hundreds of industry professionals and highlighting a number of cutting-edge developments in the fast-evolving robotics industry.

According to the organizer, 169 global companies, including ABB, Tesla, Kuka and SMC, are presenting their 600-plus knockout exhibits throughout the five-day event.

Humanoid robots show diversified applicable scenarios at World Robot Conference 2024

China and Spain are set to deepen bilateral economic and trade cooperation, with a focus on expanding collaboration in emerging industries such as clean energy and cross-border e-commerce, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.

During a regular press briefing, spokesperson He Yongqian said the ministry will work closely with Spanish authorities to strengthen ties and cement economic partnerships.

"Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez recently led a trade delegation to China, where he and Minister Wang Wentao delivered speeches at the second meeting of the China-Spain Business Advisory Council, joined by over 60 representatives from both countries. During the meeting, business leaders from China and Spain expressed their commitment not only to strengthening cooperation in traditional sectors but also to exploring opportunities in emerging industries such as clean energy, cross-border e-commerce, big data, and the low-altitude economy, while jointly expanding into other markets," He said.

The spokesperson said the next step is to provide more regular and practical platforms for exchanges between businesses from the two countries.

Sanchez visited China for a four-day trip that began on Sept. 8.

China, Spain to deepen economic cooperation, explore new sectors: commerce ministry