From sci-fi to stadiums, they are our 'new companions'
Since the beginning of the year, humanoid robots have undoubtedly taken center stage.
No longer confined to sci-fi films, they are gradually becoming "new companions" in real life. On the sports stadium, robot athletes are met with wave upon wave of cheers from the audience.
From sprinting in a 100-meter dash to teamwork on the field, from precise punches in the boxing ring to flawlessly completing tasks in scenario-based competitions, they have demonstrated remarkable potential, marking a significant step toward the integration of humanoid robots into human life and setting a promising vision for the future.
READ MORE: Beijing games showcase robotics innovation
At the 2025 World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing, when Ruben Michel Beumer and Peter Teurlings from the Netherlands carried a Chinese robot onto the field, holding it overhead like a child, it evoked the image of parents lifting their toddling infants. Generation after generation of researchers has shouldered the weight of their intellectual creations, supporting a future that stretches beyond human footsteps.
As robots demonstrate improved mobility and environmental interaction, our expectations of artificial intelligence are no longer just about efficiency and intelligence — they now carry a sense of warmth and emotional connection.
Contact the writer at dongsenhe@chinadaily.com.cn
