China’s AI Ambitions Showcased through Humanoid Robots at World AI Conference

At the 2025 World AI Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, humanoid robots were showcased, highlighting China’s rapidly advancing capabilities in artificial intelligence. The exhibition demonstrated a wide array of robots performing tasks such as serving beer, playing mahjong, boxing, and stacking shelves, all underscoring China’s growing proficiency in robotics and AI technologies. The Chinese government has made substantial investments in AI research and development, aiming to position the country as a global leader in both AI technology and regulation, competing closely with the United States. Premier Li Qiang opened the event, revealing plans for a new AI governance organization, focusing on balancing technological benefits with potential risks. Notably, the breakthrough AI model released by DeepSeek earlier this year has proven to rival top U.S. systems at a fraction of the cost. The event featured over 800 companies and 3,000 products, with humanoid robots being the star attractions. Among the most remarkable displays were robots like Unitree’s G1 android, which demonstrated remarkable agility in a shadowboxing performance. Additionally, the rise of AI-powered ‘digital humans’—virtual avatars mimicking real people—was also featured, with companies like Baidu unveiling new advancements. The integration of AI into everyday Chinese life is expanding, with autonomous vehicles and digital assistants already being used in various sectors.