I spent a day at a robot “carnival” in Shanghai. Here’s what I saw.

Shanghai, China - In a bustling robot "carnival" on a public holiday, families and curious individuals flocked to witness the latest in humanoid robotics. Nearly 90% of the more than 13,000 two-armed, two-legged robots sold globally last year were manufactured in China. The country's strategy to integrate artificial intelligence into daily life has led to humanoid robots becoming increasingly popular.

At the event, an 11-year-old boy was particularly enamored with a mini robotic dog that attempted various stunts, much to the delight of onlookers. Companies showcased a range of specialized robots capable of performing practical tasks, such as transporting heavy loads or inspecting sewage pipes. Some of these robots could even walk up stairs or engage in friendly water battles with other remote-controlled machines.

Yang Duan, a product manager at DexForce, explained that these humanoids "can free people from physical work and mundane chores." Despite the challenges these robots face, such as safety concerns, high costs, and limited battery life, Chinese firms remain committed to advancing humanoid technology. The carnival served as a platform for the public to closely interact with these impressive machines, with some Chinese cities hosting similar events in other locations.

As the event came to a close, the audience's enthusiasm for the humanoid robots was evident, with chants of "More, more, more" echoing throughout the festival's main tent.