Humanoid robots are accelerating their evolution and continuous upgrades, breaking free from laboratory constraints and extensively penetrating real-world scenarios, showcasing immense potential for large-scale applications. At the recent 2025 World Robot Conference, insights from numerous corporate executives, industry experts, and investors revealed that the commercialization of embodied intelligence is significantly speeding up, propelled by technological progress, policy drivers, and a surge in capital. The industry is currently in a phase of exploring application scenarios, with hardware costs showing a downward trend and model capabilities requiring further enhancement. Industry insiders project that 2026 may mark the inaugural year for mass production and delivery of embodied robots.
- Diverse Application Scenarios for Embodied Robots
The versatility of embodied robots was on full display at the conference, spanning from traditional agricultural production to precision industrial manufacturing, and from professional guide and reception services to warm life companionship. These demonstrations highlighted the industry’s active exploration across various application scenarios, emphasizing the need for technological innovation to be rooted in practical uses. By enabling robots to step out of labs and solve problems in multiple contexts, embodied intelligence gains a sense of “warmth” and relevance.
At the Dobot exhibition area, the DOBOT Atom robot showcased remarkable precision, using a wrench to tighten mechanical arm bearings within a 0.1-millimeter tolerance with its left hand while simultaneously sorting components of different specifications into a six-compartment bin with its right hand. In a high-dynamic task involving catching and serving popcorn, DOBOT Atom not only maneuvered flexibly between narrow operating tables, steadily and accurately pouring popcorn into boxes and handing them to attendees, but also quickly responded to interactive gestures like waving, heart-shaped hands, and applause. This robot represents a millimeter-precision machine equipped with dual-brain collaborative decision-making functions, underscoring the advanced capabilities of embodied robots.
Throughout the event, robots emerged as versatile “all-round workers.” Galaxy Universal introduced its first wheeled humanoid robot, GALBOT G1, which performs product sorting in unmanned pharmacy environments. At the Xing Hai Tu booth, upon the command “Please tidy the bed,” the R1 Lite robot promptly commenced its tasks. Ubtech presented the world’s first autonomous battery-swapping humanoid robot, Walker S2, featuring 52 degrees of freedom industrial-grade dexterous hands capable of completing autonomous battery swaps within three minutes. These examples illustrate how embodied robots are being integrated into real-world settings, enhancing efficiency and functionality.
As Kang Yu, Board Office General Manager of Shoucheng Holdings, noted, an increasing number of companies are moving beyond showcasing single-machine performance for technical bravado. Instead, they are actively constructing simulated industrial, reception, and medical scenarios, emphasizing the usability and substitution value of their products in authentic tasks. This shift reflects market expectations that embodied intelligence should deliver practical efficiency and replacement benefits, not just technological feats.
The proliferation of embodied robots in such varied scenarios underscores the rapid advancement of embodied intelligence. From precision manufacturing to daily chores, these machines are proving their worth, driven by continuous improvements in hardware and algorithms. The emphasis on real-world applicability is fostering a environment where embodied intelligence can thrive, with companies focusing on solving specific problems rather than merely demonstrating capabilities. This trend is crucial for the widespread adoption of embodied robots, as it ensures that they meet actual needs in industries and households alike.
- Positive Signals for Commercialization of Embodied Intelligence
The commercialization of embodied intelligence is gaining momentum, evidenced by several key factors, including declining hardware costs, supportive policies, and growing public acceptance. Multiple industry insiders at the conference reported intense competition in humanoid robot components, with core parts like lead screws experiencing significant price reductions. This drop in hardware costs signals maturing supply chains and indirectly confirms the accelerated pace of commercialization in the embodied intelligence sector.
Industry professionals point out that the maturity of hardware in embodied robots is progressing faster than that of models. Hardware must await algorithm refinement to achieve true commercial viability. Wang Xingxing, CEO of Yushu Technology, echoed this sentiment, stating that low-cost hardware is an inevitable trend for the industry’s future commercialization. The reduction in expenses for components such as actuators and sensors is making embodied robots more accessible, paving the way for broader deployment.
Policy initiatives are also playing a pivotal role in driving the commercialization of embodied intelligence. In 2025, “embodied intelligence” was included in the government work report for the first time, explicitly listed as a key development direction for future industries. In late July, the State Council executive meeting proposed deepening the “AI Plus” initiative and vigorously promoting the large-scale commercial application of artificial intelligence. At the conference, Beijing E-Town released several measures to promote the innovative development of embodied intelligent robots, offering full-chain support from the initial testing of unverified products to incentives for first-set applications and the construction of benchmark scenarios, all aimed at accelerating the adoption of robotic products.
According to Liu Ying, a researcher at the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China, advancing the commercialization of embodied intelligence is a concrete step in implementing the “AI Plus” action. She anticipates that as commercialization progresses, more supportive policies will follow, further bolstering the growth of embodied robots and embodied intelligence.
An interesting observation shared by Kang Yu highlights the rising public interest and tolerance for embodied robots. He noted a high “child-accompaniment rate” at the conference, with many parents bringing their children to view the exhibitions. This indicates that even if current robots are not fully intelligent, as long as they are engaging and endearing, public acceptance increases. This trend lays a foundation for future expansions in retail and business-to-consumer scenarios, enhancing the commercial prospects of embodied intelligence.
The combination of cost reductions, policy backing, and societal openness creates a favorable environment for the commercialization of embodied intelligence. As hardware becomes more affordable and regulations more supportive, companies are better positioned to scale their operations. The growing curiosity and acceptance among the general public further fuel this momentum, suggesting that embodied robots could soon become commonplace in various aspects of life.
- Mass Production Expected by 2026 for Embodied Robots
The industry is abuzz with anticipation that 2026 will serve as the inaugural year for mass production of embodied robots, as indicated by the accelerated commercialization progress observed at the conference. An attending investor remarked that the pace has noticeably quickened, with a focus on the practical advancements of leading companies in mass production landing and investment opportunities in upstream components and downstream applications.
Several major companies disclosed their mass production and delivery plans during the event. Tan Min, Chief Brand Officer of Ubtech Technology, outlined that the company plans to deliver 500 industrial humanoid robots this year for integration into smart manufacturing industries. For the Tian Gong Walker aimed at scientific research and education, over 100 orders have been received, with expectations to deliver more than 300 units this year. Xing Dong Ji Yuan’s Xing Dong Q5 robot has already secured dozens of orders, projecting deliveries of 100 units this year. Zhi Ping Fang’s AlphaBot series has received nearly 500 orders this year and is already in use at factories such as Dongfeng Liuzhou Auto and Jingneng Microelectronics.
Jiang Zheyuan, founder of Songyan Dynamics, emphasized that the company’s current core focus is on mass production delivery, with the education sector representing the largest volume of orders. This spans multiple segments including K12, vocational education, higher education, and research institutions, each with distinct requirements. Wang He, founder and CTO of Galaxy Universal Robot, revealed that their robots are already operational in 10 unmanned pharmacies in Beijing, with plans to expand to 100 by year-end. These developments highlight the tangible steps being taken toward mass production of embodied robots, reinforcing the projection for 2026.
Despite the vigorous scene validation and mass production efforts by numerous leading robot本体 enterprises, some industry perspectives point to product homogeneity and relatively limited application scenarios. Wang Qian, founder of Independent Variable Robots, attributed this not to hardware issues but to the insufficient intelligence level of robot large models. This underscores the critical need for advancements in embodied intelligence to unlock the full potential of embodied robots.
Yao Song, Director of the International Advanced Technology Application Promotion Center (Shenzhen), drew a parallel to the development path of autonomous driving. He noted that the industry has shifted from early high expectations for L4 full automation to a more pragmatic focus on L2-level scenarios in reality. Currently, most robots are at the L1 stage, and progressing to higher levels requires concentration on authentic, urgent, and commercially viable scenarios. This analogy emphasizes the importance of gradual, practical improvements in embodied intelligence for the successful mass production of embodied robots.
The concerted efforts across the ecosystem—from component suppliers to end-users—are driving the industry toward the 2026 mass production milestone. As companies refine their technologies and expand their applications, the vision of ubiquitous embodied robots powered by advanced embodied intelligence becomes increasingly attainable.
| Company | Product/Initiative | Orders/Delivery Plans | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubtech Technology | Walker S2 Autonomous Battery-Swapping Robot; Tian Gong Walker | Plan to deliver 500 industrial units in 2025; Over 100 orders for Tian Gong Walker, expect to deliver 300+ units in 2025 | Smart manufacturing; Scientific research and education |
| Xing Dong Ji Yuan | Xing Dong Q5 Robot | Dozens of orders received; Projected delivery of 100 units in 2025 | General applications across various scenarios |
| Zhi Ping Fang | AlphaBot (Aibao) Series | Nearly 500 orders in 2025; Already deployed in factories like Dongfeng Liuzhou Auto and Jingneng Microelectronics | Industrial automation and manufacturing |
| Songyan Dynamics | Education-focused robots | Largest order volume in education sector; Covering K12, vocational, higher education, and research | Education and training across multiple levels |
| Galaxy Universal Robot | GALBOT G1 Wheeled Humanoid Robot | Operational in 10 unmanned pharmacies in Beijing; Plan to expand to 100 by end of 2025 | Unmanned retail and pharmacy operations |
The data in the table illustrates the concrete steps companies are taking toward mass production, with a clear emphasis on practical applications and delivery timelines. This progress is integral to the realization of embodied intelligence in everyday settings, as embodied robots become more capable and widespread.
In conclusion, the embodied intelligence sector is at a pivotal juncture, with embodied robots demonstrating significant advancements in application diversity, commercialization signals, and mass production readiness. The anticipated 2026 mass production milestone reflects the collective efforts of industry players to overcome challenges related to hardware costs, model intelligence, and scenario limitations. As policies evolve and public acceptance grows, the future of embodied intelligence appears promising, with embodied robots poised to transform industries and daily life through enhanced efficiency and innovation. The continued focus on real-world applicability and cost-effectiveness will be crucial in ensuring that the potential of embodied robots is fully realized, marking a new era in robotics and artificial intelligence.