WAIC 2026 | Robots with Real Value: From 'Looking Intelligent' to 'Doing Real Work'
In discussions around the deployment of the robotics industry at WAIC 2026, HRSTEK focuses on the capabilities required for robots to move from technology demonstrations into real-world applications.
The 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference was held in Shanghai from July 17 to 20. Against the industry trend of moving robots from technology demonstrations into scenario applications, HRSTEK shared its thoughts on the deployment of special-purpose robot products, drawing on hazardous operating environments such as emergency firefighting.
At sites involving fires, explosions, or hazardous chemical leaks, robots may face complex conditions including high temperatures, dense smoke, toxic and hazardous gases, road obstacles, and obstructed communications. Products must not only enter hazardous areas but also perform on-site reconnaissance, environmental detection, information transmission, and remote response tasks.
Depending on project conditions, HRSTEK’s explosion-proof firefighting reconnaissance robot can be configured with visible-light, infrared thermal-imaging, gas, temperature, and humidity sensors for on-site inspection, risk detection, and remote coordination. A firefighting robot can be equipped with devices such as a fire monitor to perform firefighting, cooling, and dilution tasks, while transmitting video and equipment status information.
Whether a robot can operate stably, adapt to complex environments, and integrate into on-site workflows is an important foundation for product application. For different projects, specific functions and configurations are subject to the product model and technical solution.