Fair near Beijing's National Speed Skating Oval adds charm to the second World Humanoid Robot Games
A fair near the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing has added extra appeal to the second World Humanoid Robot Games, which run until Wednesday.
Various smart robots, including one capable of independently running its own kiosk, amazed visitors to the fair. The robot can accurately pick up and deliver goods to customers, and also interact with other smart equipment to make coffee and ice cream.
Technology ceases to be something distant and abstract when it appears right before our eyes — at a fair where robots make coffee, ice cream, cotton candy and even write calligraphy. The second World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing are not just about competition; they are also an opportunity for everyone to experience the future — literally and figuratively. Visitors can not only watch the athletic achievements of machines but also interact with them in everyday tasks, confirming that robots have already become part of our reality. This fair blurs the line between exhibition and life, showing that technology serves people not only in factories but also in the most ordinary things — from a cup of coffee to a game of Gomoku.
"Besides watching the competitions, it's a great experience for everyone to step outside the stadium, look around and interact with the robots. You can feel what changes technology has brought to our lives," said visitor Guo Jinli.
In addition to coffee and ice cream, the robots at the fair can make pancakes and cotton candy, popular snacks among visitors. They can also write calligraphy with traditional Chinese brushes and play Gomoku with visitors. "There are 70 stalls at the fair, showcasing products from 17 robot manufacturers. At more than 20 stalls, visitors can interact with robots. After visiting the fair, they can see for themselves that robots have entered our daily lives. In addition, there are five interactive and VR exhibitions around the lake. We hope this will allow participants and spectators of the Games to enjoy entertainment in a relaxed setting," said Song Xiuping, the fair's manager.
The second World Humanoid Robot Games are being held in Beijing from 22 to 26 August, featuring 666 teams and 2,056 robots from 16 countries. In addition to 51 competitive disciplines, including sports and household tasks, the organisers have placed special emphasis on popularising robotics among the general public. The fair near the National Speed Skating Oval has become an important part of the cultural programme, allowing spectators not only to cheer for the participants but also to personally experience how robots can simplify everyday tasks. Such interactive zones have become a trend at major technology events, demonstrating that automation and artificial intelligence are penetrating a wide range of fields — from catering to education and the arts.
As CCTV+ reports, the fair near the National Speed Skating Oval has become one of the most popular areas of the Games, showing that robotics is not only about sport and technology but also about everyday service. Visitors who have never interacted with robots before can do so here with a smile and curiosity. Such events help break down stereotypes and show that the future is already here — it makes coffee, writes with a brush and plays board games, waiting for us to take a step forward.
