100+ Chinese Humanoid Robots Sing, Flip, and Talk, Stirring Awe and Unease

At the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, more than 100 robots went on display across two exhibitions that opened on Monday, drawing crowds eager to see how far the technology has come.

The exhibitions framed humanoid robots as more than engineering demos, presenting them instead as public-facing machines built to talk, perform, guide visitors, and potentially assist with security and care work.

One standout was the X2 Ultra robot developed by China-based AGIBOT. Roughly the size of a primary school student, the robot interacted easily with visitors, singing songs, switching between Mandarin and English, and answering questions in real time.

When asked about its hobbies, the robot listed activities like sports, dancing, studying technology, and listening to music. It also demonstrated visual awareness, describing people in front of it, noting “a woman holding a phone, a woman holding a bag and a phone, a man holding a camera,” according to The Associated Press.

Calvin Chiu, chief operating officer of Novautek Autonomous Driving, which represents AGIBOT in Hong Kong, highlighted the human-like role these machines could play.

“It would be like a friend,” Chiu said, according to AP.

He added that such robots could offer emotional companionship and even serve as teachers for both children and older adults, with customizable personalities.

Beyond conversation, the exhibition floor turned into a showcase of physical abilities.

Robots were seen punching, performing backflips, creating sand art, and even demonstrating how they might assist in security patrols by catching suspects with nets. The wide range of skills reflects how quickly humanoid robotics is evolving beyond simple, repetitive tasks.

Robert Chan, global strategy officer at Shenzhen-based EngineAI, presented the company’s PM01 robot, which impressed visitors with its mobility, including a front flip. He noted that his company plans to open two factories in China this year to support mass production.

The uncanny customer service

In one corner of the hall, visitors might have mistaken the staff for humans, at least from a distance. Shenzhen DX Intech Technology Co. showcased humanoid robots with soft synthetic faces and female features designed for roles in museums and government offices.

Wang Zuhua, the company’s business director, revealed that they have already sold over 400 of these models. While they are efficient at leading guests to washrooms or providing tours, the human element still has a way to go for some visitors.

“It’s beautiful, but not real feeling,” Malaysian visitor Russel Lupang told AP after observing the lifelike machines.

China’s growing edge in humanoid robotics

The event also underscored China’s growing dominance in the humanoid robotics space.

According to AP, the country had more than 140 humanoid robot manufacturers and over 330 models as of 2025. Industry analysts from London-based Omdia recently ranked AGIBOT, Unitree Robotics, and UBTech Robotics among the top global vendors by shipment volume.

This growth aligns with Beijing’s broader push to lead in advanced technologies, with humanoid robots featured prominently in its latest national development plans.

Also read: Techman’s TM Xplore I shows how humanoid robots are also being built for factory floors, combining AI models with industrial automation at Nvidia GTC 2026.

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