The first phase of the 139th Canton Fair opened on April 15, with the service robotics zone immediately becoming a major attraction. A long queue formed at the entrance to the robotics area, with a significant portion of the crowd consisting of international buyers. The air was filled with conversations in various languages, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Visitors were seen standing on their toes to catch a glimpse inside the exhibition hall, with many live-streaming or recording the event on their phones to document this showcase of "Intelligent Chinese Manufacturing."
Upon entering the exhibition hall, the theme "Intelligent Connectivity, Future Arrived" stood out prominently. Patrol robots with integrated surveillance and strike capabilities, all-terrain quadruped robotic dogs, and lightweight exoskeleton robots were among the exhibits, each drawing crowds of domestic and international visitors who stopped to take photos and interact with the displays. As a key highlight of the advanced manufacturing section, domestically developed humanoid robots and various intelligent robots were prominently featured, showcasing the innovative capabilities of Chinese smart manufacturing and allowing global buyers to experience the dynamism of China’s new quality productive forces up close.
Among the various intelligent exhibits, the service robotics zone stood out as one of the most popular sections during the first phase of the fair. At the exoskeleton robot booth designed to assist with climbing stairs and hiking, large groups of international buyers gathered to try on the equipment, inquiring in detail about load capacity, battery life, and applicable scenarios. Many took notes on technical specifications. Nearby, the smart glasses booth also attracted considerable attention, with foreign buyers repeatedly testing the products and engaging in detailed discussions with staff about functionality and application cases.
A closer look revealed an all-terrain quadruped robotic dog moving agilely across the booth, seamlessly performing actions such as climbing slopes, turning, and staying in place. Its 360-degree sensing system operated continuously, demonstrating real-time, blind-spot-free terrain modeling in an impressive display. Meanwhile, patrol robots equipped with surveillance and strike capabilities moved at a steady pace, with sensors continuously capturing environmental data and autonomously executing predefined tasks like patrols and alerts. Their professional performance captivated industry buyers, who lingered to observe and analyze the technology.
Among the diverse array of robots, the spherical patrol robot exhibited by LogiTeng (Hangzhou) Technology Co., Ltd. stood out due to its unique design and specialized application scenarios. The booth attracted numerous international buyers who stopped to examine the innovation. A company representative explained that LogiTeng specializes in the research, development, production, and sales of spherical robots, with the exhibited patrol and surveillance-strike robots falling under the category of specialized robots for niche markets.
When discussing core competitiveness, the representative highlighted the company’s ownership of dozens of technical patents, particularly the key patent for spherical rolling mechanics, which enables single-point flexible movement. This unique technology creates a high barrier to entry, making it difficult for competitors to replicate. The representative noted that China’s robotics industry has surpassed overseas innovation in recent years, with strong momentum not only in humanoid robotics but also in the rapid development of specialized robots. Additionally, international buyers have shifted their focus from seeking low prices to prioritizing scenario adaptability and integration with actual business needs, with cost considerations taking a secondary role. This change has reinforced the company’s commitment to refining practical applications, focusing on enterprise-grade product development and technological upgrades to meet global market demands with robust, needs-based solutions.
While specialized robots carve out niches with unique technologies, general-purpose robots designed for consumer and industrial applications are making smart technology accessible to broader practical scenarios through dexterous manipulation and lightweight designs. At this year’s Canton Fair, core products from Shanghai Aoyi Information Technology Co., Ltd. and Hangzhou Taixi Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. demonstrated breakthroughs in fine manipulation and portability, respectively.
Shanghai Aoyi showcased a full-scenario dexterous hand solution, offering a complete product matrix ranging from consumer-grade to industrial-grade and high-end tactile dexterous hands. Paired with self-developed robotic arms and smart wheelchairs, the company presented a ready-to-deploy intelligent wheelchair robot, making its booth one of the most technologically advanced at the fair. Many buyers interacted with the robotic hand during live demonstrations.
According to a company representative, while international buyers once viewed robotics as novelty items, inquiries are now driven by specific scenario needs. Applications such as food sorting, industrial inspection, logistics assembly, and daily assistance have become central to buyer interest, leading to more efficient conversion of意向 orders. During demonstrations, Aoyi’s dexterous hand exhibited remarkable control, effortlessly lifting a 40-jin (approximately 20 kg) bucket with a single finger, surpassing human hand strength and flexibility. The representative stated that future efforts will focus on enhancing structural freedom and tactile perception, enabling the robotic hand to distinguish object shapes and materials for more complex tasks, moving from "human-like" to "beyond human" capabilities. Currently, the company’s dexterous hands are primarily exported to Europe and the United States, where they meet robust demand from mature robotics industries and research institutions, securing steady orders.
At the Hangzhou Taixi Intelligent Technology booth, consumer-grade assistive exoskeleton robots also drew large crowds. International buyers were seen testing the exoskeletons by climbing stairs and walking on level ground, with the smart devices making physically demanding movements noticeably easier. After trying the products, visitors actively exchanged contact details with staff and inquired about specifications, production capacity, and export procedures.
A company representative recalled that their first-generation exoskeleton robot attracted significant global attention when the service robotics zone debuted at last year’s Canton Fair. This year’s new model weighs 1.8 kg, down from 2.4 kg, offering improved portability for daily use. Core algorithms have been optimized, and an automatic human motion posture recognition mode has been added, providing precise assistance for activities like stair climbing, walking, and cycling. The device caters not only to fitness enthusiasts but also to elderly and mobility-impaired individuals seeking daily support.
Regarding buyer preferences, the representative noted that international customers prioritize practical functionality and value over price. Products that effectively address real-life challenges gain rapid market acceptance. Given the broad applicability across different demographics, demand spans all regions, with意向 clients distributed worldwide without significant geographical concentration.
The overall impression from touring the service robotics zone was that domestic robots have moved beyond conceptual or display-oriented development. Every exhibited product focused on real-world applications, emphasizing practical technology deployment and usability.
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