China's humanoid robot output is expected to exceed 100,000 units this year, said Gan Xiaobin, deputy director of the Department of Science and Technology under the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), on Tuesday.

Gan made the remarks at a press conference in Shanghai for the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC), noting that China's large language models, AI agents and other AI technologies are evolving rapidly, while the country's AI applications and ecosystem are powering the booming robot industry, unleashing momentum for high-quality development.

The penetration rate of AI applications among China's industrial enterprises above designated size has surpassed 30%, while the National AI Industry Investment Fund is stepping up operations to channel more social capital into the sector, he said.

The MIIT is also working with industry partners to expand high-value AI application scenarios through initiatives supporting industrial AI adoption as well as humanoid robots and embodied intelligence.

Many of the innovations will be on display during the 2026 WAIC, which is set to take place in Shanghai from July 17 to 20.

Under the theme "AI Partnership for a Brighter Future," the conference will feature six major sections ranging from forums and exhibitions to innovation incubation and talent exchanges.

The exhibition, covering more than 100,000 square meters for the first time, will host more than 1,100 exhibitors. Over 3,000 exhibits are expected to be on display during the conference, among which more than 300 products will make their global debuts. The intelligent computing and embodied AI exhibition areas will each feature more than 200 companies.