by Zafar Hussain

BEIJING, Aug 23 (China Economic Net) ‑ The 2026 World Robot Conference (WRC 2026), held at the Beiren Etrong International Exhibition and Convention Center in Beijing E-Town, concluded with record-breaking international participation, solidifying China’s role as a global epicenter for embodied AI and smart manufacturing.

Held from Aug. 19 to 23 under the theme “Human-Robot Symbiosis, Production-Demand Convergence,” the conference brought together more than 300 exhibiting companies and showcased over 3,000 innovative products, with 311 new products unveiled. The event also received support from nearly 30 international organizations, while international guests accounted for about 30 percent of the main forum’s participants.

Alexender from Spain told China Economic Net that China’s increasingly convenient access for international travelers is another factor. Expanded visa-free arrangements and streamlined entry policies have contributed to a broader influx of foreign visitors to China in 2026, making it easier for international technology enthusiasts and businesspeople to attend major events.

Fatimah Noor from Malaysia said that one reason the event has seen stronger foreign interest this year is the rapid evolution of China’s robotics sector from laboratory demonstrations toward practical commercial applications.

“Visitors can see robots sorting parcels, assembling products, performing household tasks, providing services and interacting with people, offering a clearer picture of how robotics could reshape industries and daily life”, she added.

Muhammad Ali, a Pakistani visitor, said that for Pakistan, the conference underscored vast new frontiers under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Phase II, which emphasizes high-tech collaboration, industrial upgrading, and digital modernization. Pakistani tech delegations, researchers, and trade representatives actively explored partnerships with leading Chinese robotic enterprises.

As the conference concludes, Beijing E-Town continues to solidify its role as a global robotics hub, fostering open innovation that benefits partners worldwide, including those along the Belt and Road.