China once again showcased its technological prowess this month at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai.
Galbot’s robot stood out among the exhibits for its adaptable breakfast cooking abilities. The G1 handled toasting bread, preparing other dishes and pouring drinks smoothly, even as spectators moved items around to create obstacles. It relocated targets quickly, adjusted its path and finished every task without stopping. This performance relied on the company’s AstraBrain embodied intelligence model, which supports adaptability in real-world scenarios.
The display builds on the G1’s success in practical settings. One of the robots currently works daily at a FamilyMart convenience store in Beijing’s Zhongguancun tech district, marking an early example of a humanoid providing ongoing service in a global chain outlet. It responds to voice commands, retrieves products and manages items with different shapes and packaging.
Similar deployments appear in other convenience stores, kiosks, pharmacies and warehouses across China, where the G1 supports restocking, retrieval and customer interactions.
Beijing Galbot AI Co., Ltd. (also known as Galbot or Galaxy General Robot) has raised significant funding recently, including rounds with an aggregate value around US$800 million, reaching a US$3 billion valuation. The company is preparing for a Hong Kong IPO, potentially occurring by the end of the year.
Galbot’s founder Wang He recently said he believes humanoids like the G1 are on track to reach their “ChatGPT moment” within the next two years, becoming widely utilised in everyday life throughout the globe.
The World Artificial Intelligence Conference, held annually in Shanghai since 2018, has grown into a major event for showcasing China’s AI progress. This year’s edition, which concluded on Monday, attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors and featured more exhibitors than ever. There is a particular focus on practical applications of embodied intelligence.
Other notable robotic innovations at this month’s conference included machines folding laundry, sorting groceries and performing precise industrial tasks such as screw tightening.
🤖🇨🇳 2026 World AI Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai broke records as the largest in history — over 1,100 companies & 3K advanced exhibits
The event welcomed corporate representatives, researchers & tech exhibits from more than 70 countries and regions
Beijing-based startup… pic.twitter.com/vbkNV7h24H
— Lord Bebo (@MyLordBebo) July 22, 2026
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