In China, the robot industry is in turmoil with promises of a $5 trillion market

A gentle madness took over the annual World Robotics Conference, held from Friday, August 8, to Tuesday, August 12, in Beijing, just before the World Robot Games, which are scheduled to take place from Friday, August 15, to Sunday, August 17, inside the Beijing National Stadium, which hosted the 2008 Olympic Games. While officials in shirtsleeves and black trousers stroll solemnly between the stands, hordes of children in their school colors rush towards the entertainment.

Here, a humanoid robot is taking penalties. Over there, two others are having a boxing match. Next door, a hip-hop battle is starting, mixing robots and professional dancers. Further on, the LimX company is presenting its scale model of the AT-ST, a sort of mechanical chicken from Star Wars . Called Tron 1, it bounces back after each kick from the host. Its designers intend it, for the moment, for "industrial exploration, education, training, and university research."

Beyond entertainment, this major annual trade show offers Chinese robotics players an exceptional showcase to attract public and private investors, potential customers, and young talent. In just a few years, and thanks to the Made in China 2025 plan, launched in 2015 to make China a high-tech manufacturing powerhouse, its robotics industry has become one of the most dynamic in the world.

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