(Yicai) Nov. 5 -- Humanoid robots are taking on real-world tasks at this year's China International Import Expo, which opened today, marking a shift from demonstrations of physical agility to practical applications.

Unlike at previous editions of the CIIE, humanoid robots are no longer just showing off their ability to walk, jump, and perform complex movements. They are also beginning to understand human needs, operate real tools, and interact smoothly with their surroundings, Yicai observed at the venue.

Launched in 2018 to open China's market and boost imports, the annual CIIE runs through Nov. 10 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai.

Singapore-headquartered robotics company Sharpa is taking customized photos for journalists from around the world at the expo's media center. To complete the task, the robot must pick up a camera, adjust its grip, aim at the subject, and press the shutter in sequence, company staff told Yicai. The process tests the capabilities of its dexterous hand while placing greater demands on its perception abilities.

Hitch Open, a global competition platform for autonomous driving and robotics AI, showcased a robot capable of playing table tennis against a human opponent without remote control or human intervention.

Crystal Tang, global executive chair of Hitch Open, told Yicai that the robot uses the AgiBot Expedition A3 humanoid platform and is equipped with HITTER, a humanoid robot table tennis system developed by the FHL Vive Center for Enhanced Reality at the University of California, Berkeley. The robot has achieved a rally of 106 consecutive shots against a human opponent.

Five photos were selected:

https://www.yicai.com/news/103426551.html

Pic 1 (2/6): A Sharpa robot taking photos of journalists.

Pic 2 (3/6): An AgiBot robot "tea master" brewing tea on site.

Pic 3 (4/6): A Hitch Open table tennis robot playing against a human opponent.

Pic 4 (5/6): A Tesla robot capable of carrying luggage, walking dogs, and sorting items.

Pic 5 (6/6): An AgiBot robot serving as a "hotel butler," interacting with guests, entering their information into the hotel system, and delivering room key cards.

Editors: Tang Shihua, Emmi Laine