2026 World Robot Conference to Be Held in Beijing in August

The 2026 World Robot Conference (WRC) is set to take place from August 19 to August 23 at the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (Beijing E-Town), bringing together global robotics experts, industry leaders, and innovators under the theme “Human-Robot Symbiosis, Production-Demand Integration.” The announcement was made at a press conference on July 6, with registration opening the same day, as reported by CCTV News.

A Conference of Record Scale

This year’s conference marks a significant expansion, with over 300 exhibitors — a 36% increase from 2025 — and more than 2,000 exhibits expected, including over 150 debut products. The number of concurrent events has doubled to more than 60, reflecting the rapid growth of the global robotics industry.

Nearly 30 international organizations are supporting the event, and 30% of main forum speakers will be international guests, underscoring the conference’s role as a premier global platform for robotics collaboration. According to Guangming Online, the conference will feature four exhibition halls — the Intelligence Innovation Hall, Intelligence Collaboration Hall, Intelligence Manufacturing Hall, and Intelligence Fun Hall — with a state-owned enterprise pavilion making its debut appearance.

Industry Leaders Highlight China’s Robotics Boom

Xu Xiaolan, Chair of the Chinese Institute of Electronics, noted that China has been the world’s largest industrial robot market for 13 consecutive years and that the humanoid robotics industry is at a globally leading level. “Over the past decade or more, China’s robotics industry has achieved a great leap from ‘small to large’ and ‘weak to strong,’” she said.

Hao Lishun, Deputy Director General of the First Equipment Industry Department at the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, revealed striking growth figures: from January to May 2026, China’s robotics enterprises above designated size achieved operating revenue exceeding 90 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 26.9%, with an average annual growth rate of over 20% over the past five years.

Beijing’s robotics sector is experiencing particularly explosive growth. Liu Weiliang, Deputy Director of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology, reported that the city’s robotics industry revenue surged from 15 billion yuan in 2023 to 51.8 billion yuan in 2025, a compound annual growth rate exceeding 85%. Beijing is now home to over 30 humanoid robot manufacturers, accounting for more than 20% of the national total.

Innovation and Consumer Engagement Take Center Stage

Zhao Yunfeng, Vice Chair and Secretary-General of the Chinese Institute of Electronics, announced two major initiatives: the launch of the “Global Robot Application Exploration Plan,” which will provide mass-produced products free of charge to outstanding global innovation teams for trial use, and the establishment of a Central Enterprise Robot Innovation Consortium by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC), as reported by China News Service.

For the first time, the conference will feature a Robot Consumption Street, offering visitors an immersive experience combining technology, cuisine, and cultural creativity. Li Quan, Deputy Director of the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area Management Committee, confirmed that the venue has been upgraded and optimized, and the second Robot Consumption Festival will be launched alongside the conference’s official cultural and creative products, according to CNR.

Global Competition and Talent Development

The 2026 World Robot Contest Finals will be held concurrently with the conference, drawing over 10,000 competitors from more than 20 countries and 6,000+ teams. This massive competition underscores the growing emphasis on nurturing next-generation robotics talent worldwide.

A Decade of Transformation

As the conference enters its second decade, organizers are focusing on five key areas: promoting technological innovation, advancing industrial development, strengthening industry governance, nurturing talent, and deepening international cooperation. The conference will also release seven industry maps covering technology, industry chains, components, enterprises, standards, and applications — signaling a push toward standardization and ecosystem building.

With free admission for visitors under 18 and over 60, the conference continues its commitment to public engagement, ensuring that the latest advancements in robotics are accessible to all. As China’s robotics industry continues its remarkable trajectory, the 2026 World Robot Conference promises to be a defining moment for the sector, showcasing how human-robot symbiosis is reshaping industries and everyday life.