Humanoid robots capable of folding laundry, staffing convenience stores and brewing tea were among the highlights at this year's World AI Conference in Shanghai, held from 17 to 20 July. Keenon Robotics showcased its XMAN-R1 model, currently being trialled in Chinese hotels to collect and launder linens, while AI firm SenseTime demonstrated robot-run convenience kiosks where humanoids greet customers, take orders and restock shelves. The conference, which drew over 400,000 visitors and 1,117 exhibitors, underscored China's growing lead in the sector — the country is home to around 140 humanoid robot makers and exported more than 10,000 AI bionic robots to 90 countries in the first half of this year alone.