I spent a day at a robot “carnival” in Shanghai. Here’s what I saw.

China is accelerating its adoption of humanoid robots across consumer and commercial sectors, positioning embodied AI as a cornerstone of its technological ambitions. A recent visit to a robot carnival in Shanghai reveals how extensively Chinese companies are integrating physical robotics into everyday applications, reflecting broader national priorities outlined in the country's latest five-year plan.

China's push toward embodied AI—the integration of artificial intelligence into physical robotic systems—has moved beyond research laboratories into public-facing demonstrations and commercial deployment. The robot carnival showcased various humanoid machines performing tasks ranging from hospitality and entertainment to manufacturing support and service industry applications. These demonstrations underscore China's strategic commitment to embedding AI technology into tangible, interactive systems that citizens encounter in daily life. This approach differs significantly from software-focused AI development, emphasizing the importance of robotics as a delivery mechanism for artificial intelligence capabilities.

• Market acceleration: Chinese companies are rapidly commercializing humanoid robots, potentially capturing significant market share before Western competitors scale production
• Integration strategy: Embodied AI is becoming embedded in service sectors, suggesting widespread workforce transformation across hospitality, retail, and manufacturing
• Government backing: The inclusion of embodied AI in China's five-year plan indicates substantial government support and resources directed toward robotics development
• Consumer normalization: Public demonstrations and carnivals are helping normalize human-robot interaction, potentially reducing adoption barriers
• Technology convergence: Companies are combining advanced AI with physical engineering, creating competitive advantages in autonomous systems

The prominence of humanoid robots at China's carnival signals a pivotal shift in how nations approach artificial intelligence implementation. Rather than limiting AI to digital applications, China is prioritizing physical embodiment, which has practical implications for labor markets, supply chain efficiency, and consumer services globally. As these technologies mature and costs decrease, the competitive landscape for robotics and AI will likely intensify internationally, making China's current momentum particularly significant for businesses and policymakers worldwide.