The event, held in Beijing’s E-Town technology district, featured hundreds of humanoid robots running alongside more than 12,000 human participants on a separate parallel course designed for safety. What made this year’s race particularly notable was how far the technology had advanced compared to the previous competition held in 2025.

Last year’s race exposed major limitations in humanoid robotics. Many machines struggled to remain upright, failed to leave the starting line cleanly, or were unable to complete the full 21-kilometer course. In contrast, this year’s robots demonstrated smoother movement, improved endurance, and far more stable navigation.

The standout performer was a robot named “Lightning,” developed by Chinese tech company Honor. The machine completed the half-marathon in just over 50 minutes, reportedly surpassing the fastest human finisher and even exceeding the current human half-marathon world record pace. Several other robots from the same company also finished near the top of the standings.

A major difference this year was the increase in autonomous operation. Nearly half of the participating robots reportedly navigated the course without direct human control, relying instead on onboard systems and AI-driven movement coordination. Engineers accompanying the machines still monitored performance and intervened when needed, but the level of independence shown during the race marked a substantial leap from earlier demonstrations.

The robots also appeared significantly more athletic than earlier humanoid models. Some featured advanced cooling systems adapted from smartphone technology, while others used redesigned leg structures intended to mimic efficient human running mechanics. Spectators watching from the sidelines described the machines as surprisingly fluid and natural in motion compared to the stiff movements typically associated with humanoid robots.

Not every robot performed flawlessly. Some machines reportedly stumbled near the start, collided with barriers, or required assistance from nearby technicians. Even so, the overall improvement from the previous year impressed both engineers and onlookers, many of whom viewed the race as a glimpse into how quickly robotics development is accelerating in China.

The marathon forms part of China’s broader push to establish itself as a leader in artificial intelligence and robotics. Government-backed initiatives and major technology firms are investing heavily in humanoid systems, with the long-term goal of deploying robots in manufacturing, logistics, hazardous environments, and eventually consumer-facing roles.

While some experts caution that athletic demonstrations don’t necessarily translate into real-world industrial usefulness, the race still highlighted how rapidly robotic mobility and balance systems are improving. Just a few years ago, many humanoid robots struggled with basic walking stability. Now, some are completing long-distance endurance races at speeds capable of challenging elite human runners.

From caregiving and hospitality to advanced mobility and even flight, these robots represent a major leap forward in how machines interact with people. Here are five humanoid robots expected to make an impact in 2026, and what makes each one worth watching.

1. Flying Humanoid Robot (Hybrid Mobility Concept)

The most attention-grabbing development is a humanoid robot designed with hybrid mobility. It can walk like a human and take to the air when needed.

Instead of being limited by terrain, this robot uses propulsion systems to lift itself, allowing it to navigate obstacles, reach elevated areas, or move quickly across difficult environments. The practical applications are significant, especially for search-and-rescue operations, industrial inspections, and emergency response.

What makes this concept stand out isn’t just the ability to fly, but how it expands the idea of what a humanoid robot can do. It removes one of the biggest limitations of traditional robots: movement constraints.

2. Caregiving Humanoid Assistant

With aging populations becoming a global challenge, one of the most practical humanoid robots launching in 2026 is focused on caregiving.

This robot is designed to assist with daily routines, helping individuals with mobility, reminders, and basic household tasks. Rather than replacing human caregivers, it acts as a support system, handling repetitive or physically demanding responsibilities.

The emphasis here is on safety and interaction. These robots are built to operate in close proximity to people, with softer designs, responsive sensors, and intuitive controls. The goal is to create something that feels helpful, not intrusive.

3. Home Companion Robot

Another major category is the home companion robot, essentially a humanoid assistant designed to function inside everyday living spaces. Unlike single-purpose devices like robot vacuums, this type of robot can perform multiple tasks. It can interact with appliances, carry objects, assist with cleaning, and adapt to different routines within the home.

Design plays a big role here. Developers are moving away from mechanical-looking machines toward softer, more approachable forms. This makes the robot feel like part of the home rather than a piece of equipment. In the long term, this could redefine what “smart homes” actually look like.

4. Hospitality and Service Robot

Humanoid robots are also being developed for service industries, particularly hospitality. These robots are designed to handle repetitive tasks such as delivering items, assisting guests, or supporting staff operations behind the scenes. In environments like hotels, where efficiency and consistency matter, this can significantly improve workflow.

What’s important is that these robots aren’t meant to replace staff. They’re meant to reduce workload. By taking over routine tasks, they allow human employees to focus on customer experience and more complex interactions.

5. Multi-Purpose Industrial Humanoid

The final category is the industrial humanoid robot, designed for physically demanding environments like warehouses, factories, and logistics hubs. Unlike traditional industrial robots that are fixed in place, these humanoid versions can move freely, use tools, and adapt to different tasks. This flexibility makes them far more useful in dynamic environments where tasks change frequently.

They’re built for strength, endurance, and precision, capable of lifting, sorting, and assisting in workflows that would otherwise require significant manual labor.

Why These Robots Matter in 2026

What connects all five of these robots is a shift in purpose. Instead of being built purely for innovation, they are designed to solve real problems: labor shortages, efficiency challenges, and the growing demand for assistance in everyday life.

Advancements in AI, sensors, and materials are finally making it possible for humanoid robots to function outside controlled environments. They can now adapt, interact, and operate in spaces built for humans. That’s what makes 2026 such a critical year. It’s when humanoid robots begin transitioning from concept to practical reality.

During the televised show, dozens of AI-powered humanoids performed choreographed martial arts, including synchronized kicks, punches, flips, and even sequences that mimicked traditional styles such as “drunken boxing.” Viewed by hundreds of millions globally, the display wasn’t just for show. It was a carefully staged demonstration of growing capabilities in robotics and automation.

From Novelty to Technological Showcase

Just a year ago, robots at similar events performed simple dances and basic synchronized movements. This year’s gala performance featured far more advanced motion control and coordination, highlighting rapid iteration in artificial intelligence, sensor systems, and mechanical design. Researchers and tech observers noted that such fluid routines, once considered futuristic, are now becoming reality for robots developed by Chinese companies.

Robotics startups, including Unitree, MagicLab, Galbot, and Noeti,x were among those represented, underscoring the depth of China’s innovation in this space. Beyond mere entertainment, analysts see these moments onstage as evidence that robotics technology is progressing toward real-world applications far beyond entertainment, from industrial automation to service and companion robots.

A Symbol of National Innovation

Many observers also view the gala’s robot segment as part of a broader narrative about China’s ambition to lead in next-generation technology. By putting humanoid robots on one of the most-watched broadcasts of the year, the industry, and the government, signaled confidence in the progress being made. While questions remain about when robots will be widely adopted in everyday life, the performance showcased the potential of these machines to impress, inspire, and perhaps eventually assist humans in more practical roles.

NEO stands about 5′6″, weighs roughly 66 lb (around 30 kg), and uses soft-fabric exterior design and articulated hands to navigate home environments. According to 1X, the robot is built to handle tasks such as fetching items, opening doors, switching off lights, folding laundry, and tidying up.

However, the company cautions that NEO is not fully autonomous at launch. In many cases, a remote human operator will assist via the robot’s cameras in learning new tasks. The robot’s body is not waterproof, and it is intended strictly for indoor use; cooking, heavy lifting, and outdoor chores remain outside its current capabilities.

Pre-orders are now live in the United States: one option is to buy the unit outright for USD 20,000; alternatively, 1X offers a subscription model at around USD 499 per month with a minimum six-month commitment. The company anticipates shipping to early adopters in 2026, with wider availability planned for 2027.

NEO represents one of the first attempts to bring humanoid robots into everyday private homes rather than industrial or research settings. CEO Bernt Øivind Børnich of 1X stated that humanoid robots have moved “from research to product”.

From a market perspective:

• It highlights a growing push to make consumer-level robots that go beyond fixed-function devices (like robot vacuums) into more general-purpose helpers.
• The price point remains very high, so initial adoption will likely be in affluent households or early-tech-enthusiasts rather than the mass market.
• The reliance on remote tele-operation suggests the technology still has work to do before fully independent robot assistants become commonplace.

Because NEO uses built-in cameras and can be remotely assisted by 1X staff, the company emphasises a “social contract” with users: home data helps the robot improve, but it brings added privacy and security implications.

Some commentators have raised concerns: one review notes that although marketed as autonomous, much of NEO’s functionality initially will depend on human-in-the-loop operation. For potential buyers, key questions include:

• How much access will remote operators have?
• How will home safety, data security, and reliability be managed?
• And will the robot’s cost and limitations justify the value compared to human help or simpler devices?

1X expects NEO to improve over time via software updates and machine learning from its deployment in homes. This means early buyers are not just consumers but part of the product’s ongoing evolution.

Competitors are also entering the space of home-friendly humanoid robots, so NEO’s real test will be how swiftly and reliably it can deliver meaningful help in everyday life, and whether it can move from niche to normal household adoption.

Why You Should Care

For anyone interested in smart homes, automation, or robotics, NEO signals a shift: you’re no longer just buying a smart speaker or self-vacuum, but potentially a humanoid companion that lives in your home. That raises exciting possibilities, and practical questions.

If you’re thinking about investing in advanced home robotics, this is a moment to watch, not just purchase. The price and new-product risks remain significant. If you follow tech trends or want early access to “robot living”, NEO is one to track.

This symbolic moment has become a potent symbol of how robotics is weaving its way into cultural rituals and public milestones. Shuang Shuang’s appearance wasn’t about academic achievement: no exams, no essays. Its role was ceremonial. The event showcased China’s fast‑growing robotics capabilities, demonstrating both a public spectacle and technological ambition.

China is heavily funding robotics development and accelerating humanoid innovation via both government and private players. This push is part of a broader “tech arms race” with the U.S., where AI-driven robotics is viewed as a strategic frontier.

In response, American companies like Tesla are racing ahead with their own humanoid prototypes (e.g., Optimus), and security robots, like robo-dogs, are even being deployed in sensitive locations such as Mar‑a‑Lago.

A humanoid robot and robot dog grabbed everyone’s attention at Shanghai Fashion Week when they walked down the runway together, showing how technology is starting to play a bigger role in creative spaces like fashion.

The robot duo featuring Unitree’s G1 humanoid robot and a robot dog walked smoothly and confidently in front of the crowd. The G1 robot’s lifelike movement was powered by an AI motion control system that allowed it to move with real balance and coordination. People were clearly impressed by how naturally it performed.

What made the moment even more memorable was when a human model in a striking blue dress appeared beside them. As she walked down the runway, she leaned down and placed a necklace around the humanoid robot’s neck while the robotic dog stood close by, watching. The contrast between the human and robots was striking, creating a visual that the audience likely won’t forget anytime soon.

The show’s director, Xu Shangxi, said the goal was to explore the connection between nature, humans, and technology. “We wanted to show how these things can come together,” Xu said. That vision came across clearly in the performance.

This isn’t the first time robots have appeared in fashion shows. In 2023, robotic dogs wowed the audience at the Coperni Fashion Show in Paris. But this latest display in Shanghai added a new layer, making the robots part of a story and giving them a stronger presence.

One key takeaway we can get from this collaboration is that robots aren’t just staying in labs or factories anymore. They’re starting to show up where we least expect them. And based on what we saw in Shanghai, they may be here to stay.

Figure is fast-tracking its plan to bring humanoid robots into people’s homes, starting with Figure 02. The robotics startup, based in the Bay Area, confirmed it will begin “alpha testing” its Figure 02 robot in home environments by late 2025, signaling a major shift from factory floors to domestic settings.

CEO Brett Adcock said the move comes thanks to rapid developments in Figure’s AI platform, Helix, a proprietary Vision-Language-Action (VLA) model designed to help robots better understand and interact with the world. “We’re now seeing our AI system learn faster and more effectively than ever before,” Adcock said, adding that Helix is already helping their humanoids take on new tasks with minimal training.

Helix allows the robot to process both visual cues and natural language, which means users can speak to it naturally while it completes chores or follows instructions. The company recently showcased Figure 02 completing simple kitchen tasks, hinting at its potential for real-life home applications.

Interestingly, Helix is capable of coordinating two robots to work on a task together, something we rarely see in the consumer robotics space.

While many companies in the humanoid race have put household chores on the back burner in favor of more predictable, structured environments like factories and warehouses, Figure appears to be doubling back on domestic robotics. Earlier this year, it launched a pilot program at a BMW plant in South Carolina, where its humanoids performed repetitive industrial tasks.

Most industry players, including Tesla and Apptronik, are taking a similar path, testing in industrial settings first where robots can work with fewer variables.

But the home isn’t off the table for long. Tesla, for example, is aiming to get its humanoid robot Optimus into homes possibly by the end of next year. And Norwegian robotics startup 1X has already been testing its NEO Gamma robot specifically for home help, including laundry folding and meal assistance.

Figure knows this road won’t be easy. “Home testing will still be in the early stages throughout 2025,” Adcock confirmed. That means we shouldn’t expect to see these robots vacuuming our carpets or cooking dinner just yet.

Yet the company’s ambition is clear. That is to create a true general-purpose humanoid robot that can help with a wide range of household tasks, potentially offering critical assistance for elderly people or individuals with mobility challenges.

The world of humanoid robots has long been dominated by the United States and China. However, a UK-based startup named Humanoid is making waves with its latest creation: the HMND 01, a general-purpose humanoid robot boasting hand speeds that rival or even surpass those of humans.

Founded in 2024 by entrepreneur Artem Sokolov, Humanoid aims to position itself at the forefront of robotics innovation. Their flagship robot, HMND 01, stands 5’9″ tall and weighs approximately 154 pounds. It can walk at speeds up to 3.4 mph and handle objects weighing up to 33 pounds. On a single charge, the robot operates for about four hours.

One of HMND 01’s standout features is its advanced motion control system, enabling its hands to perform complex tasks with remarkable speed and precision. This dexterity allows the robot to navigate confined spaces and manipulate objects with exceptional accuracy.

Humanoid has embraced a modular design philosophy for HMND 01, allowing users to customize the robot’s upper body, lower body, and end-effector configurations. This flexibility not only caters to diverse applications but also helps reduce costs, making the robot more accessible for mass commercialization. Potential uses range from warehouse operations and retail assistance to domestic tasks within homes.

Humanoid’s mission extends beyond technological innovation. The company envisions a future where humans and robots collaborate seamlessly, addressing pressing societal issues such as workforce shortages and an aging population. Sokolov emphasizes, “At Humanoid, our team believes in a future where humans and machines work side by side, not in competition, but in harmony.”

Entering the humanoid robotics arena is no small feat. Established players like Boston Dynamics have showcased robots such as Atlas, which is featured in our list of best human robots. Tesla’s Optimus robot is also making headlines, with Elon Musk projecting that thousands could be operational in Tesla factories by the end of the year.

Additionally, companies like 1X are developing humanoid robots like NEO Beta, aiming to bring them into homes. In China, the demand for humanoid robots is surging, with rental services fully booked until June.​

Despite the competition, Humanoid is undeterred. The company plans to develop and test alpha prototypes for both wheeled and bipedal platforms in 2025. They are also in discussions with leading retail companies for potential pilot projects, signaling a promising trajectory in the evolving landscape of humanoid robotics.

China is experiencing an unprecedented surge in humanoid robot rentals, with demand so high that bookings are fully reserved until June. Businesses across the country are increasingly integrating these advanced machines into their operations, signaling a significant shift toward automation.​

In Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, Jin, a local business owner, initially purchased three Unitree G1 robots. Observing the escalating demand, he promptly acquired four more.

“I ordered three Unitree G1 robots, and after the humanoid robot became popular, I bought four more,” Jin remarked. His rental robots are now fully booked until the first week of April, with orders pouring in from cities like Shanghai, Chongqing, and Chengdu.​

The cost of renting these robots varies based on location and scheduling. In Hangzhou, daily rentals start at 3,000 yuan (approximately $470).

However, in more distant areas or during peak times, prices can escalate to 10,000 or even 20,000 yuan per day (approximately $1,570 to $3,140). Zheng Huizhai of Lianbei (Hangzhou) Technology Co Ltd highlighted that most clients are companies involved in corporate displays, film shoots, and educational activities.​

Individual interest in humanoid robots is also on the rise. Yu Jian, General Manager of Zhejiang Jike Robot Technology Co Ltd, noted, “It’s not just companies that are interested in humanoid robots; individual buyers are also increasing.” He envisions a future where, within 5 to 10 years, robots assist with home care and cleaning.​

China’s leadership in humanoid robot manufacturing is evident. The China Academy of Information and Communications Technology projects the domestic humanoid robot market to grow into a 100-billion yuan (approximately $15.7 billion) industry by 2030. These robots are now utilized in various industrial settings, from car manufacturing to live performances.​

Globally, the humanoid robot industry is advancing rapidly. For instance, Tesla’s Optimus Gen-2 is poised to enter the market soon, potentially transforming industries reliant on manual labor. Similarly, NEO Gamma by 1X is designed to assist with household tasks, offering a glimpse into the future of domestic robotics.​

This surge in humanoid robot rentals in China underscores a broader global trend toward automation, with businesses and individuals alike recognizing the potential of these machines to revolutionize various sectors.

Imagine coming home after a long day to find your laundry folded, your floors vacuumed, and a hot cup of coffee waiting for you, all done by a robot. Sounds like something out of The Jetsons, right?

Well, the future might be closer than you think. Norwegian robotics company 1X has unveiled NEO Gamma, a humanoid robot designed to handle everyday household chores, and it’s already turning heads.

Not to be confused with the NEO Beta, NEO Gamma is a humanoid robot dressed in a cozy knitted cover. This bipedal humanoid robot has been trained to move naturally, mimicking human motion, and it can do everything from tidying up to serving tea.

A recent promotional video shows NEO Gamma fixing picture frames, wiping windows, and even carrying groceries before casually taking a seat at the dinner table like part of the family.

But don’t get too excited just yet, as the NEO Gamma isn’t available for purchase. 1X is currently testing it in select homes to fine-tune its AI, including speech recognition, navigation, and even body language.

CEO Bernt Børnich believes humanoid robots need real-world interaction to truly fit into everyday life. “The home provides real-world context and the diversity of data needed for humanoids to grow in intelligence and autonomy,” he explains.

NEO Gamma is just one of many humanoid robots making waves right now. Tesla’s Optimus Gen-2 is gearing up for production, Agility Robotics’ Digit is preparing to work in warehouses, and startups like Clone Robotics and Figure are pushing the boundaries of what robots can do.

With so many advancements happening so quickly, it’s starting to feel like the age of robot helpers is finally here. Would you welcome a NEO Gamma into your home?