Summary of Key Changes at this Year's 11th World Robot Conference (WRC)
This year's 11th World Robot Conference (WRC) has witnessed three significant shifts: First, the exhibition booths of robotics companies have significantly expanded, reflecting their willingness to showcase their capabilities and attract attention due to ample funding. Second, the industry has shifted from focusing on robot performances to emphasizing their practical applications in real-world scenarios. Third, dexterous hands, perception systems, and data training have become central priorities, as robots are being developed to perform actual tasks effectively. The bustling activity in the exhibition halls at night also vividly demonstrates the high level of enthusiasm within the industry.
Detailed Analysis
1. Expansion of Exhibition Booths: Companies with Plenty of Funds Treat WRC as a Platform for Attention
The most noticeable change this year was the increase in booth sizes. Companies like Yuzhu and Xinghaitu even set up second floors, with a single booth occupying what used to be space for several companies, forcing smaller firms to settle in temporary tents. This reflects the robust financial situation within the robotics industry: In the first half of 2025, there were 286 funding rounds totaling 27 billion yuan in China's robotics sector, with many companies having cash reserves sufficient to last for over a year (for example, Xinghaitu raised nearly 5 billion yuan and only spent 100 million in two years).
These companies are usually frugal with their advertising and marketing efforts, but they invest heavily at WRC because the booths have become a platform to demonstrate their capabilities and compete for industry attention. Just as the Spring Festival Gala helped Yuzhu's robots gain popularity, WRC is an important opportunity for them to prove their worth to customers and investors.
2. From “Dancing Robots” to “Working Robots”: The Industry Embraces Practicality
Last year, a robot that could make coffee was enough to attract attention; however, this year, robots that could only perform simple tasks no longer have a market. Almost all companies showcased their robots in real-world applications. For instance, Xingdong Jiyuan set up a logistics sorting line, Cross维 Intelligence brought in a convenience store and mobile phone quality inspection lines, and Shenpu Intelligence displayed home service robots. Robots are now presented with clear “occupational roles” such as sales assistants, chefs, and parcel sorters.
The reason for this change is the widespread production of robots (Zhiyuan produced 15,000 units in half a year, while Yuzhu has produced 18,000 in total). Investors are no longer satisfied with basic capabilities like walking and dancing; they want to see evidence that robots can generate revenue. As a result, companies like Zhongqing Robot, which is still performing boxing demonstrations, stand out as the outliers.
3. Dexterous Hands, Perception Systems, and Data Training: The Three Keys to Practical Robotics
A notable trend at WRC was the increased presence of companies specializing in dexterous hands and perception systems. These technologies are essential for robots to perform practical tasks effectively. For example, Lingxin Qiaohand had a large booth, and companies like Xinuo Future and Chaowei Dongli also made significant appearances.
This shift is due to the fact that basic mobility issues have been addressed, and now the focus is on enabling robots to perform specific tasks such as screwing, folding clothes, and sorting parcels, which require precise hand movements. Perception systems (like a robot’s “eyes” and “skin”) are crucial for accurately handling objects, while data training is necessary to improve robot performance based on real-world operations and human demonstrations. This combination of technologies forms the foundation for robots to truly be useful in practical applications.
4. The Busy Nighttime Halls: A True Measure of Industry Enthusiasm
We left the conference at 9 p.m., and Galaxy General was still rehearsing, with Hongda South Road outside the venue congested with ride-hailing cars. Employees from robotics companies could be seen leaving the venue late into the night. Such scenes are common at WRC; people were still leaving the venue even at 10 p.m.
Funding figures and valuations reflect the industry’s potential, but the brightly lit halls, employees resting after a long day, and traffic congestion are the true indicators of its vitality. It is these frontline professionals who are turning the vision of robots becoming part of our daily lives into reality step by step.
Conclusion
The changes at this year's WRC mark a transition in the robotics industry from showcasing technical prowess to practical applications. Companies are no longer just trying to impress with demonstrations; they are proving their ability to create value through real-world use cases and core technologies. Although robots have not yet become widespread in households, the busy activity at night demonstrates that this future is indeed on its way.