China’s AI conference: Humanoid robots fold laundry, make sandwiches and more

Robots that can fold laundry, prepare food and carry out household chores were among the biggest attractions at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai. Held from July 17 to 20, the event showcased China’s latest advances in robotics and artificial intelligence, highlighting the country’s push to bring AI-powered humanoid robots into everyday life.The four-day conference attracted more than 400,000 visitors and featured 1,117 exhibitors, up from around 800 last year. More than 300 products made their debut at this year’s event, according to Channel NewsAsia (CNA).

China has developed more than 400 humanoid robot models, accounting for over half of the global total, according to state media cited by The Associated Press (AP).
Humanoid robots fold laundry, make sandwiches and danceA video shared by AFP from the exhibition showed humanoid robots folding laundry, preparing sandwiches, dancing, playing football, taking photographs and sorting packages. The demonstrations highlighted how AI-powered robots are increasingly being developed for homes, hotels, warehouses and retail spaces.

???????? Robots dance, fold laundry and make sandwiches at Shanghai’s AI expo

China’s range of humanoid robot companies display their wares at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai. In recent years, the world’s second largest economy has been keen to demonstrate its… pic.twitter.com/9Ghznfud3u— AFP News Agency (@AFP) July 22, 2026

Humanoid robots move closer to everyday use

The exhibition featured robots designed for a range of real-world tasks, including stocking shop shelves, sorting groceries, brewing Chinese tea and providing customer service, CNA reported.

Among the exhibitors was Keenon Robotics, which showcased its XMAN-R1 humanoid robot. The robot is being tested in hotels across China, where it can deliver items to guest rooms, collect used linen, transport it to laundry facilities and fold it after washing.

Keenon, one of China’s early providers of hotel service robots, said its machines are designed to assist staff rather than replace them.

“Robots exist primarily to assist humans at work,” said Wan Bin, the company’s chief operating officer.

He added that robots can cover shifts during staff breaks, extend business hours and work alongside human employees.

Humanoid robots are already being deployed commercially in controlled environments such as hotels, restaurants and office buildings. However, wider use in more complex settings will require further technological advances.

AI-powered retail stores on display

Retail technology was another major focus at the conference. Chinese AI company SenseTime showcased its SenseMart Go concept—a robot-operated convenience store where humanoid robots greet customers, take orders, retrieve products and restock shelves.

According to Liu Hengyi, chief technology officer at SenseTime SmartGo, each robot-operated convenience store can recover its costs in about a year.