Are humanoid robots the future? Chinese makers instead highlight practical design

scmp.com Aug 23, 2026

Are humanoid robots the future? Chinese makers instead highlight practical design

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Aug 23, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

At the World Robot Conference in Beijing, Chinese firms showcased both eye‑catching humanoid robots and utilitarian machines, highlighting a shift from spectacle to practical deployment. Unitree Robotics displayed bipedal bots playing table tennis and engaging in combat demonstrations, underscoring recent advances in speed, balance and coordination. In contrast, X Square Robot’s two‑armed WALL‑B wheeled model sorted 1,816 parcels in an hour, outperforming Figure AI’s bipedal Figure 03, which handled 1,248 parcels. AI2 Robotics presented a wheeled robot that prepared coffee and ice cream using interchangeable grippers and a dexterous hand. Senior engineer Yang Li questioned the necessity of legs when wheels can meet industrial needs, emphasizing payload, reliability and return on investment as the decisive factors for buyers.

💡 Why It Matters

· Real‑world efficiency, not novelty, is becoming the primary driver for robot adoption, reshaping investment priorities across the sector.

Capsules Robotics

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Robot Recreates Cristiano Ronaldo’s Iconic SIU Celebration After Scoring Goal At World…

At the 2nd World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing, a humanoid robot from China scored a goal in a 7‑a‑side football exhibition and performed Cristiano Ronaldo’s famous “Siuuuu!” celebration. The event, held August 22‑26 at the National Speed Skating Oval, featured over 2,000 robots from 666 teams across 16 countries competing in 30 disciplines. The robot’s leap, spin, and shout replicated the iconic move with precise motion‑capture AI, showcasing advances in robotic dexterity and expressive capability. The Games highlight the growing sophistication of humanoid machines in dynamic sports.

💡 The robot’s flawless “Siu” demonstrates how AI can replicate complex human gestures, pushing the boundary between entertainment and functional robotics. It signals a new era where machines can emulate cultural icons, potentially reshaping public perception of robotics.

shanghaisun.com · Aug 23

Humanoid robot games put real-world skills to the test

The second World Humanoid Robot Games opened in Beijing with a restaurant‑service contest where a robot handled snacks, microwaved food, and moved orders under judges’ scrutiny. The event, running through Wednesday, drew 666 teams and 2,056 robots from 16 countries, quadrupling participation from last year. Competition categories expanded from 26 to 51 items, with 1,301 matches, including 21 scenario‑based contests in factories, hotels, homes, and logistics. Tasks test repetitive, dangerous, or physically demanding jobs such as assembly, housekeeping, rescue, and library sorting, emphasizing real‑world applicability.

💡 By simulating everyday workplace challenges, the Games provide a practical benchmark for robotic autonomy, directly informing commercial deployment strategies.

en.sedaily.com · Aug 23

Chinese Humanoid Robot Clocks 9.39 Seconds in 100m Dash

At the 2nd World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing, a humanoid robot from Team Tianzhuo, developed by the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, completed a 100‑meter dash in 9.39 seconds. The time eclipses Usain Bolt’s 9.58‑second world record by 0.19 seconds. The race took place on the 22nd at the National Speed Skating Oval, where multiple robot athletes competed. The event showcased advances in robotics and motion control, drawing attention from sports and technology communities worldwide. The achievement marks a milestone in human‑robot performance benchmarks.

💡 The robot’s record‑breaking speed demonstrates that artificial systems can surpass human athletic limits, reshaping expectations for future competitive robotics and informing research on biomechanics and control algorithms.

en.sedaily.com · Aug 23

Intel Applies to Join Korea’s Largest Robotics Association

Intel Korea has formally applied for full membership in the Korea Association of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, South Korea’s largest private-sector robotics group. Chaired by Samsung Electronics’ Oh Jun-ho, the association currently includes 415 members ranging from major corporations like Hyundai Motor to startups. Intel’s application marks the second instance of a global tech giant’s Korean unit joining the body, following Qualcomm Korea. Industry sources indicate this move aims to strengthen relationships with domestic robot manufacturers and support Intel’s expanding AI chip business. As traditional CPU leader, Intel is targeting the edge AI segment, promoting its Core Ultra Series 3 processors for autonomous robotics. Meanwhile, competitor Nvidia is launching a robotics developer training program in Seoul with local startup XYZ, utilizing its semi-humanoid robot Deuce. These concurrent efforts by major US tech firms highlight intensified competition to embed their technologies within South Korea’s rapidly growing robotics ecosystem.

💡 Intel and Nvidia are aggressively positioning their hardware as the foundational infrastructure for South Korea’s autonomous robotics sector. This strategic pivot targets the critical shortage of specialized AI developers, ensuring US chips become the default choice for domestic manufacturers.

en.tempo.co · Aug 23

Hyundai, KIA Workers Stage First Full-Scale Strike in South Korea in a…

Hyundai Motor and Kia Corp workers in South Korea walked off assembly lines on August 21, staging the first strike in a decade. About 40,000 union members from Hyundai, along with staff from supplier firms at 50 sites, joined protests outside the headquarters. The action demanded a higher mandatory retirement age, larger bonuses and stronger job protection as the companies prepare to introduce Boston Dynamics robots by 2028. Management plans to deploy the Atlas robot at the Metaplant America facility within two years, eventually expanding its role to component assembly by 2030. Union leader Park Sang‑man framed the strike as a defense of Korea’s automotive heritage. The walkout halted production of roughly 55,200 vehicles, representing more than $1.67 billion in value.

💡 The walkout puts immediate pressure on Hyundai to address worker concerns before automation reshapes its factories, forcing a rare labor‑tech negotiation in the global auto sector.

therobotreport.com · Aug 23

Use a digital twin to explore automation before committing capital

RoboDK’s digital‑twin platform lets manufacturers simulate robotic cells before spending on hardware. The software supports more than 1,400 robot brands and includes end‑effectors, conveyors, sensors and operator models, enabling users to test reach, trajectories, cycle times and safety clearances. By importing CAD files, companies can evaluate layout constraints, collision risks and tooling suitability for tasks such as CNC machine tending, pick‑and‑place or welding. The dynamic model replaces static drawings and spreadsheets, giving first‑time automation buyers a way to compare alternatives, refine base positions and estimate ROI without physical prototypes. RoboDK also offers offline programming and automatic code generation, turning virtual experiments into deployable robot programs. The tool aims to reduce capital risk amid economic uncertainty and rising energy costs globally.

💡 By letting firms validate robot cells virtually, the platform turns costly guesswork into data‑driven decisions, accelerating automation adoption in a market wary of new spend.