At the 137th edition of the Canton Fair, a major shift took place: for the first time in its history, the event introduced an area entirely dedicated to robotics. Located in Phase 1, this new zone brought together companies specializing in both service and industrial robotics. It’s a strong signal that automation is now at the heart of manufacturing innovation in China.
Among the standout exhibitors was Unitree Robotics, a company based in Hangzhou, which showcased two of its most advanced and practical models: the Go1, a quadruped robot, and the G1, a compact humanoid robot.
Go1: An Agile and Accessible Quadruped Robot
Compact, fast, and highly mobile, the Unitree Go1 is a four-legged robot designed to assist humans in a wide range of tasks. Equipped with intelligent sensors, it can follow its user, avoid obstacles, and maintain balance—even on uneven terrain. Originally developed for research and education, it is now finding its place in light industrial environments for tasks such as:
site inspection (warehouses, restricted areas, technical infrastructure)
autonomous surveillance
transportation of small items
With its animal-inspired design, the Go1 is hard to miss. It offers an excellent balance between affordability, mobility, and adaptability to complex environments.
G1: A Humanoid Robot with Advanced Capabilities
Unveiled for the first time at the Canton Fair, the Unitree G1 is a humanoid robot capable of walking, running, jumping, climbing stairs, and interacting with objects. Its lightweight, articulated frame allows for remarkably smooth movement given its size (1.27 m) and weight (35 kg).
The G1 has been developed for a variety of use cases, including:
research and testing in simulated human environments
light automation (e.g., reception, object handling)
training in technical and robotics-related fields
One of the G1’s key strengths is its modular architecture, which makes it easy to develop custom applications. It can be reprogrammed and adapted to different use scenarios, making it an ideal platform for engineers, developers, and innovation centers looking to experiment with advanced features such as vision, coordination, and interaction.
A Strong Signal: Robotics Becomes a Showcase for Chinese Innovation
The introduction of a dedicated robotics area at the Canton Fair clearly shows that China is no longer focused solely on low-cost manufacturing. The country now aims to play a central role in smart production and the automation of tomorrow.
Companies like Unitree and other exhibitors at this year’s event demonstrate that robotics is becoming a rapidly growing segment in both sourcing and export.
Conclusion
The 2025 edition of the Canton Fair marks a significant shift in how China showcases its industrial expertise. The introduction of an entire area dedicated to robotics signals a strategic move toward more advanced, intelligent, and specialized technologies. With companies like Unitree Robotics leading the way, Chinese robotics is no longer about imitation — it’s about innovation.
This new robotics zone is very likely to grow in future editions, reflecting China’s increasing commitment to integrating robotics into its international trade fairs and positioning its companies among the global leaders in technological innovation.
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