Summary of Key Points
At the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference, embodied intelligent robots shifted from performing dances to performing practical tasks such as picking up objects and providing care. Humanoid robots have become a new focus in the field of smart elderly care, but they still face two major challenges when trying to enter ordinary households: safety certification and adaptability to different scenarios. Currently, nursing homes are the primary testing ground for these robots, where institutions prioritize practicality over cutting-edge technology. In the next 3-5 years, the deep integration of AI and robotics will be crucial for industry breakthroughs.
New Developments at WAIC: Robots Moving from Showmanship to Practical Applications
In previous conferences, robots often attracted attention with their dancing and acrobatic skills. Now, they focus on more practical functions such as grasping objects, arranging items, and folding clothes, as well as serving as butlers and rehabilitation assistants. For example, the GR-3 robot from Fourier Intelligence can understand natural language commands (like “bring me a glass of water”) and plan its own route to retrieve it. The Lumen S1 robot from Optics Valley East Intelligence can conduct safety inspections in nursing homes, engage with elderly people in conversations, and manage their health, covering the entire spectrum of care services. These developments indicate that robots are no longer just for show but are being developed to solve real problems in elderly care.
Humanoid Robots as a New Frontier in Smart Elderly Care: China’s Clear Industry Advantages
Data from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology shows that Chinese four-legged robots account for nearly 70% of global sales, with over 400 models of humanoid robots (more than half of the global total). This reflects the emergence of a robust industry focused on humanoid robots for elderly care, ranging from rehabilitation assistance (helping the elderly regain mobility and eating skills) to safety monitoring (night patrols), emotional companionship (conversations for comfort), and daily support (delivering items, cleaning). With advancements in AI models and embodied intelligence technologies, the collaborative model of “robots + humans” in elderly care is becoming increasingly clear.
Two Barriers to Entering Ordinary Homes: Safety and Adaptability
Why haven’t robots yet made it into ordinary households? Gu Jie, CEO of Fourier Intelligence, identifies two key issues:
1. High safety requirements: The elderly need robots that can perform tasks slowly and steadily; a quick movement could cause accidents, so safety certification standards are very strict.
2. Lack of adaptability to home environments: Homes are unstructured spaces with varying layouts and items placed in random locations. Robots currently struggle to find and deliver items (for example, they may not recognize doors or know where cups are stored).
Current Focus: Nursing Homes Prioritize Practicality Over Innovation
Before robots enter ordinary households, nursing homes are the primary testing ground. When selecting robots, institutions focus on whether they can solve real problems, not on how advanced their technology is. For instance, Taikang Home, a leading elderly care provider, evaluates products based on whether they can reduce the workload of caregivers and meet the specific needs of the elderly.
The Yipson positioning alarm card is a simple yet widely used example; its one-button call and precise location tracking features enable quick responses, reducing safety risks for institutions. This shows that for nursing homes, practicality is more important than luxury features.
The Future: Deep Integration of AI and Robotics
Industry experts believe that AI will be the biggest game-changer in the next 3-5 years. Current large-scale AI models are effective in virtual environments but fail in real-world applications. Only by truly integrating AI with robotics, allowing robots to learn and explore in real situations, can we overcome these limitations. Eventually, robots will not only be able to safely deliver items and engage in conversations but also assist with tasks like cooking and cleaning, transforming elderly care services significantly.
In summary, elderly care robots have moved from being conceptual ideas to practical tools, but there is still a way to go before they become commonplace in households. The industry is accelerating, and the integration of AI will be key. Major breakthroughs are likely within the next 3-5 years, making the future of robot-assisted elderly care increasingly tangible for ordinary people.