Chinese robot Yansyn-X2 sheds tears and responds to speech at Shanghai tech event

A Chinese robot named Yansyn-X2 made its debut at the Inclusion Conference 2026 in Shanghai, showcasing remarkable emotional capabilities. Developed by Yanxi Technology in Ningbo, this advanced robot was designed to exhibit lifelike emotional responses through AI and microfluidics technology.

Yansyn-X2 garnered attention for its unique ability to shed tears on cue, prompting discussions on enhancing human-robot interaction. To achieve this, the robot employs an advanced artificial intelligence algorithm that analyzes conversational context, tone, and emotional content. Based on the analysis, it sends commands to components beneath its silicone face, enabling it to display appropriate facial expressions when it perceives signs of sadness or empathy.

The robot's emotional responses are brought to life through a microfluidic system that precisely pumps liquid to the eye area. This system uses a small pump and fine tubes, allowing it to produce a single tear that moves down the cheek in a manner similar to human tears. While the current model of Yansyn-X2 is stationary, it can move its head, track people, and use its arms for gestures.

The company behind the robot is currently working on future iterations that will incorporate bio-inspired artificial muscles, aiming to improve the smoothness and variety of facial expressions. This development falls within the field of affective computing, which centers on creating systems capable of recognizing and responding to human emotions. This technological advancement marks a new trend in robotics, focusing on mimicking emotional cues to improve human-robot interaction.