Inside Beijing’s iconic “Ice Ribbon” National Speed Skating Oval, humanoid robots captivated audiences this week at the inaugural World Humanoid Robot Games (WHRG) — performing traditional Chinese dances, martial arts, and even competing in sports from soccer to boxing. But this wasn’t just a showcase of technology. It was a powerful statement of China’s growing leadership in the field of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI), as well as a clear signal that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is accelerating the international collaboration of technology, innovation, and business.
With over 500 robots from 280 teams across 16 countries showcasing cutting-edge advancements, the event highlighted China’s leadership in robotics and its role as a global tech innovator. The WHRG and the 2025 World Robot Conference (WRC), held just days earlier, underscored China’s pivotal position in the global robotics ecosystem and its growing influence in shaping the future of technological collaboration.
Robotics as a Cornerstone of BRI Innovation
Since the launch of the Belt and Road Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation Action Plan in 2017, China has cemented its position as a global leader in technology and scientific cooperation. In 2023, the country’s commitment to technological advancement was further emphasized with the inclusion of scientific and technological cooperation as one of the central pillars of BRI’s growth.
The success of China’s robotics sector is proof of how technology cooperation is driving forward the BRI. As Wang Peng, Associate Research Fellow at the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, explained, China’s focus on industrialization and modernization provides a strong foundation for the global demand for robotics. With this momentum, China is leveraging its expertise to foster new opportunities for international partnerships and innovation.
China’s Robotics Industry: A Model for Technological Collaboration
The 2025 World Robot Conference attracted key representatives from emerging economies and developing nations eager to explore robotics applications for their own industries. Nikita Podlipskiy, a representative from Ultimate Education in Moscow, recognized China’s significant strides in AI and robotics. “We are looking for AI systems, sensors, and medical-related innovations that could apply to our work. China’s leadership in robotics is truly impressive,” he said. Podlipskiy also highlighted the potential for future collaboration in educational robotics, citing China’s strong market position.
From Nepal, Bikash Gurung, President of the Robotics Association of Nepal, noted China’s Unitree G1 humanoid robot for its affordability and advanced features. “In robotics, like with smartphones, mass market adoption will come when prices drop. China’s ability to produce robots at affordable prices is paving the way for other nations,” he remarked. Gurung sees vast potential for China-Nepal cooperation in sectors like tourism, where Chinese service robots could play a transformative role.
Cameroon’s Jacques Eone, President of the Cameroon Robotics Association, also sees strong collaboration prospects. “We are seeking partnerships with Chinese robotics companies to build the sector from the ground up. Access to Chinese expertise will help us accelerate innovation in agriculture and mining.”
China’s Robotics Industry Sets Global Standards
China’s robotics manufacturing sector is scaling new heights, setting global standards. In just a decade, industrial robot output surged from 33,000 units in 2015 to over 556,000 units in 2024. Similarly, service robot production reached 10.5 million units in 2024, growing by 34.3% year-on-year. During the first half of 2025, Chinese industrial robot exports saw a 61.5% growth, reflecting a robust demand for Chinese-made robotics solutions around the world.
This growth signals not only China’s manufacturing prowess but also its ability to lead the charge in exporting integrated robotics ecosystems — ranging from hardware to AI software — to BRI partner countries.
Strengthening Regional Economies with Robotics
As Saudi Arabia embarks on its Vision 2030, the country is focusing heavily on advanced technologies like robotics and AI. Mohammed Alsolami, a robotics and AI developer from Saudi Arabia, sees China as a strategic partner in achieving these goals. “China’s experience in scaling robotics technologies is exactly what we need to complement **Saudi Arabia’s efforts in localization, talent development, and industrial transformation,” he said.
Alsolami highlighted the potential of robotics and AI in sectors like logistics, renewable energy, and large-scale infrastructure projects. By collaborating with Chinese robotics firms, Saudi Arabia can accelerate the deployment of robotics in its national projects, such as NEOM.
Chinese Robotics Companies Drive Global Demand
Chinese robotics companies are actively responding to rising global demand for service robots. Firms like UBTECH Robotics and Beijing Galbot Co. are leading the way in expanding their footprint internationally, particularly in BRI partner countries.
For example, Galbot Co. launched a service robot project in Abu Dhabi to provide front-desk services at local hotels, including voice ordering, customer inquiries, and on-site purchases. According to Zhao Yuli, Galbot’s Chief Strategy Officer, the company is integrating robotics into national strategies across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, where the demand for robots is growing rapidly.
A Shared Future in Intelligent Innovation
China’s robotics revolution is not just about technology; it’s about building a shared future of innovation and economic growth across the BRI. From education to healthcare, logistics to hospitality, China’s robots are helping BRI partner countries leap into the future of automation and digital transformation.
As Wang Peng observed, “China’s leadership in robotics provides a comprehensive solution to enhance local industries and services, fostering global collaboration and data sharing to propel the world’s technological advancement.”
The World Humanoid Robot Games were more than just a competition. They symbolized a new era of international cooperation — one where China’s technological strengths are guiding the world toward a more connected, automated, and efficient future.