Bionic butterflies and performing humanoids: Beijing’s World Robot Conference – in pictures

The World Robot Conference 2023 has opened in China, aimed at promoting scientific and technological progress. The event is a forum for participants to network and seek resources for further innovation. There’s also the opportunity for ice-cream served by a robot

Guy Lane

Main image: A technician prepares a bionic humanoid robot. Photograph: Costfoto/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

Mon 21 Aug 2023 02.00 EDT

Visitors watch robots perform on stage during the annual World Robot Conference at the Etrong International Exhibition and Convention Centre on the outskirts of Beijing. The event is a platform for networking and collaboration in the robotics sector
Photograph: Andy Wong/AP
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A robot developed by Data Robotics displays basketball skills on a miniature basketball court
Photograph: Tingshu Wang/Reuters
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Children watch as a robot draws a portrait
Photograph: Xinhua/Shutterstock
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A human-looking robot waves at visitors
Photograph: Mark R Cristino/EPA
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Visitors watch a robotic arm serve tea
Photograph: Andy Wong/AP
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A robotic device performs a medical scan on a man’s knee
Photograph: Mark R Cristino/EPA
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People watch a pick-and-place gripper machine move items around
Photograph: Mark R Cristino/EPA
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Robots mimicking facial expressions
Photograph: Mark R Cristino/EPA
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Human-like robotic heads on a wall
Photograph: Mark R Cristino/EPA
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Visitors inspect an artificial heart
Photograph: Andy Wong/AP
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An exhibitor watches a visitor receiving a massage from a robotic arm
Photograph: Andy Wong/AP
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A bionic butterfly takes flight
Photograph: Xinhua/Shutterstock
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Caterpillar-tracked fire-fighting robots
Photograph: Xinhua/Shutterstock
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A panda-shaped robot demonstrates its ability to grab a can of drink
Photograph: Ng Han Guan/AP
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A device for scanning the human brain to help diagnose mental afflictions
Photograph: Ng Han Guan/AP
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A child is served ice-cream by a robotic arm
Photograph: Shutterstock
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A visitor touches a robotic hand
Photograph: Andy Wong/AP
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Humanoid robots perform at the conference
Photograph: Xinhua/Shutterstock
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