In a dazzling display of innovation, embodied intelligence robots took center stage at the 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services, captivating audiences with their advanced capabilities in movement, interaction, and learning. These embodied robots, which integrate artificial intelligence with physical forms to enable dynamic environmental interactions, showcased a range of applications from household assistance to industrial operations, highlighting the rapid evolution of this cutting-edge field. The event, held in Beijing, emphasized the growing significance of embodied intelligence in shaping future technologies, with demonstrations that included martial arts, dance performances, and complex terrain navigation, all powered by sophisticated AI models and machine learning algorithms.
The rise of embodied intelligence represents a paradigm shift in robotics, moving beyond traditional programmed tasks to enable autonomous learning and adaptation. Embodied robots, such as those featured at the expo, leverage multi-modal perception and deep neural networks to interact with their surroundings in real-time, fostering a new era of smart devices that can perceive, act, and reason independently. This progress is underpinned by substantial investments and research in embodied intelligence, with global markets poised for exponential growth. According to industry reports, the embodied intelligence sector is projected to reach multi-billion-dollar scales, driven by advancements in AI and robotics integration.
1. Kuavo Humanoid Robot Masters Tai Chi in Complex Environments
One of the standout exhibits was the Kuavo humanoid robot, developed by Leju Intelligent (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., which performed a fluid Tai Chi routine with precision and grace. This embodied robot demonstrated a series of movements, including pushing palms, bending at the waist, and rotating its body, all executed with the elegance of a seasoned practitioner. The Kuavo robot is notable for being China’s first humanoid robot designed for home scenarios, as well as the first open-source HarmonyOS humanoid robot capable of jumping and adapting to varied terrains. Its performance at the expo underscored the advancements in embodied intelligence, where robots can learn and replicate complex physical activities through data collection and programming.
The robot’s ability to perform such intricate tasks stems from its embedded AI models, which facilitate machine learning in both supervised and unsupervised settings. With sensors and cameras attached to its arms and back, the Kuavo robot collects real-time data, enabling it to refine its movements autonomously. This embodied intelligence allows the robot to undertake a wide range of household chores, such as laundry, watering plants, and making beds, while also holding potential for industrial applications like parcel sorting, rescue operations, and inspections in hazardous environments. The integration of embodied intelligence in robots like Kuavo points to a future where these machines could become integral to daily life, offering companionship and care in addition to functional support.
- Supervised Learning: The Kuavo robot utilizes AI models to learn tasks in controlled environments, enhancing its adaptability.
- Unsupervised Autonomy: It can independently evolve its skills through continuous interaction with its surroundings.
- Home and Industrial Applications: From domestic assistance to specialized tasks in factories and medical fields, embodied robots are set to revolutionize multiple sectors.
Moreover, the Kuavo robot’s participation in the 2025 Beijing Yizhuang Humanoid Robot Half-Marathon, where it secured eighth place, highlights its robustness in endurance and mobility. This achievement reflects the broader trends in embodied intelligence, where researchers are focusing on enhancing the physical and cognitive capabilities of robots to handle real-world challenges. As embodied robots like Kuavo become more prevalent, they are expected to address societal needs such as elderly care and child education, embodying the promise of intelligent, responsive technology.
2. Congcong Humanoid Robot Exhibits Elegant Dance and Interactive Prowess
Another highlight was the Congcong humanoid robot, presented by Yiqing Group Holding Co., Ltd., which captivated onlookers with a graceful dance performance set to melodious music. This embodied robot, designed as a greeter, showcases advanced natural interaction capabilities, allowing it to serve roles such as voice-guided tours and咨询服务. The dance routine was made possible through the implantation of AI models that enable reinforcement learning, a key aspect of embodied intelligence where robots improve their actions based on feedback and experience.
However, a significant challenge in the development of embodied robots like Congcong lies in translating verbal commands into precise physical movements. For instance, when instructed to “shake hands” or “sweep the floor,” the robot can respond affirmatively but struggles to execute the corresponding actions seamlessly. This hurdle is at the forefront of research in embodied intelligence, requiring the integration of deep bionics, multi-modal perception, and intelligent algorithms to achieve true limb-based interaction. The Congcong robot’s dance represents a step forward in this direction, demonstrating how embodied robots can blend artistic expression with functional utility.
- Reinforcement Learning: Congcong employs AI-driven learning to refine its dance moves and interactive responses.
- Multi-modal Perception: The robot uses sensors to interpret auditory and visual cues, enhancing its environmental awareness.
- Cross-disciplinary Technologies: Advancements in bionics and algorithms are crucial for overcoming current limitations in physical coordination.
The potential applications for such embodied intelligence extend beyond entertainment to practical domains like retail, hospitality, and healthcare. For example, Congcong could evolve into a versatile assistant in public spaces, providing not only information but also physical aid. This aligns with the broader vision for embodied robots to serve as empathetic companions, capable of understanding and responding to human emotions. As research progresses, the goal is to create embodied intelligence systems that can seamlessly bridge the gap between digital commands and physical execution, paving the way for more intuitive human-robot collaborations.
3. Robotic Dogs from China Mobile Demonstrate Full Ecosystem Intelligence
A dynamic performance by China Mobile’s embodied intelligent robotic dogs stole the show, as they moved in sync to vibrant jazz music, performing acrobatics like handstands, flips, and coordinated leaps. These quadrupedal robots represent China Mobile’s first consumer-grade offering in this category, distinguishing themselves through autonomous mobility, operation, interaction, and learning capabilities. Unlike many robots that rely on remote control, these embodied robots form an integrated “interaction-service-motion” intelligent system, enabling them to cover a wide range of scenarios from indoor homes to outdoor environments.
In household settings, the robotic dogs offer three core values: as health companions for the elderly, educational partners for children, and all-around family assistants. For seniors, they can provide reminders for medication, exercise, and blood pressure monitoring, along with remote video monitoring and anomaly alerts. They also support companionship during walks and feature voice interaction, with built-in content libraries tailored for older adults, such as opera and storytelling. For children, the dogs include AI-based learning systems for English conversation practice, augmented reality storybook explanations, and interactive poetry sessions, all while maintaining personalized learning records accessible to parents via remote monitoring modules. As family helpers, they handle tasks like delivering items, managing trash, and conducting security patrols, redefining smart home lifestyles through their comprehensive service capabilities.
- Elderly Care: The robots assist with health management and provide emotional support through interactive features.
- Child Education: They offer personalized learning experiences and foster developmental activities.
- Home Management: From logistics to security, these embodied robots enhance daily convenience and safety.
Additionally, the robotic dogs are equipped with an emotional interaction system that detects and responds to family members’ mood changes, enabling proactive engagement. This transforms them from mere tools into “intelligent family members,” embodying the essence of advanced embodied intelligence. By combining environmental perception, emotional computation, and autonomous decision-making, these robots create a full ecological intelligent system that spans safety, education, services, and companionship. This holistic approach underscores the transformative potential of embodied robots in reshaping how humans interact with technology, moving toward a future where machines not only assist but also empathize and adapt to individual needs.
4. Mountain Cat Wheel-Legged Robot from Cloud Deep Technology Excels in Challenging Terrains
Cloud Deep Technology Co., Ltd., a pioneer in embodied intelligent innovation, showcased its Mountain Cat wheel-legged robotic dog, which effortlessly navigated rugged, rocky landscapes with stability and agility. This embodied robot excels in extreme conditions, from freezing cold to scorching heat, thanks to its ability to balance speed and flexibility. As a leading example of bionic legged robots, the Mountain Cat can operate in complex environments, performing repetitive or high-risk tasks that expand the boundaries of robotic applications.
The company’s “Jueying” series of quadruped robots has already been deployed in various fields, including power inspections, fire and emergency reconnaissance, education, scientific research, and metal smelting. Notably, these robots have achieved a breakthrough by operating in temperature ranges from -20 to 55 degrees Celsius, the first such capability in Asia, which significantly broadens their applicability across diverse climates and terrains. This resilience is a testament to the advancements in embodied intelligence, where robots are designed to withstand harsh conditions while maintaining high performance.
- Multi-terrain Adaptation: The Mountain Cat robot demonstrates superior mobility on uneven surfaces, making it ideal for outdoor missions.
- Extended Operational Range: Its ability to function in extreme temperatures opens up new possibilities for industrial and rescue operations.
- Broad Application Spectrum: From hazardous site inspections to educational tools, embodied robots are versatile assets in multiple sectors.
The development of such embodied robots addresses critical needs in industries like energy, construction, and disaster response, where human involvement may be risky or inefficient. For instance, in power grid inspections, these robots can autonomously traverse difficult terrains to identify faults, reducing downtime and enhancing safety. Similarly, in emergency situations, they can provide real-time data and support without endangering human lives. The progress in embodied intelligence, as exemplified by Cloud Deep Technology’s offerings, highlights a shift toward more resilient and autonomous robotic systems that can operate independently in unpredictable environments, ultimately contributing to smarter, safer societies.
5. Market Outlook and Future Projections for Embodied Intelligence
The embodied intelligence industry is experiencing explosive growth, with market scales projected to reach trillions of dollars. In 2025, the Chinese government included embodied intelligence in its national strategy for the first time, emphasizing its role in cultivating future industries through policy guidance, technological innovation, and industrial integration. This move aims to drive intelligent transformation across various sectors, particularly in manufacturing and services. According to the “2025 Humanoid Robots and Embodied Intelligence Industry Research Report,” the global market for embodied intelligence is expected to reach 19.525 billion yuan, with China accounting for approximately 27% of that, at 5.295 billion yuan.
Further predictions from the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology’s “Humanoid Robot Industry Development Research Report (2024)” indicate that by 2045 and beyond, humanoid robots will advance to Level 5 autonomy, with over 100 million units in use globally. The total market size for these embodied robots could approach 10 trillion yuan, underscoring the immense economic potential of this field. The following table summarizes key market projections based on available data:
| Category | Projected Value (2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Global Embodied Intelligence Market | 19.525 billion yuan | Estimated from industry reports |
| China’s Share | 5.295 billion yuan | Approximately 27% of global market |
| Humanoid Robot Units by 2045 | Over 100 million | Projected in-use count |
| Total Market Size by 2045 | Approximately 10 trillion yuan | For整机 (whole machine) market |
This growth is fueled by continuous advancements in AI, robotics, and sensor technologies, which enable embodied robots to become more affordable, efficient, and integrated into everyday life. The emphasis on embodied intelligence in national strategies reflects a global recognition of its transformative impact, from boosting productivity to addressing labor shortages in aging populations. As embodied robots evolve, they are expected to bridge gaps in healthcare, education, and domestic services, creating a more interconnected and intelligent world.
However, challenges remain, such as high development costs, ethical considerations, and the need for standardized regulations. Despite these hurdles, the trajectory for embodied intelligence is overwhelmingly positive, with investments pouring into research and development. The success of events like the Service Trade Expo demonstrates the public’s growing acceptance and curiosity about these technologies, paving the way for widespread adoption. In the coming years, embodied robots are likely to become commonplace, not just in specialized industries but in homes and communities, embodying the vision of a seamlessly automated future.
In conclusion, the 2025 Service Trade Expo served as a vibrant platform for showcasing the remarkable progress in embodied intelligence, with embodied robots from various companies highlighting the fusion of physical dexterity and cognitive abilities. From the Kuavo robot’s Tai Chi to the Congcong robot’s dance, and from China Mobile’s robotic dogs to Cloud Deep Technology’s Mountain Cat, these innovations illustrate a future where machines can learn, adapt, and interact in ways once confined to science fiction. The integration of embodied intelligence into daily life promises to enhance efficiency, safety, and quality of life, while the burgeoning market projections underscore its economic significance. As research continues to overcome technical barriers, embodied robots are set to play a pivotal role in the era of “intelligent connectivity,” transforming industries and redefining human-machine relationships on a global scale.