Tesla's second-generation humanoid robot, Optimus, was one of the few American AI devices on display at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai this week. While Optimus uses Tesla's own neural network and computer vision technology and is envisioned as a future multitasking machine, it stayed behind glass and did not interact with guests. This static exhibit did nothing to obscure the presence of numerous Chinese robotics businesses.

Local exhibitors Fourier, Tlibot, and Leju Robot showcased their own humanoid inventions, totaling 18 robots on display, including "Healthy Loong" from Humanoid Robots (Shanghai).

Although these robots are finding uses in China's education, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors, they are still in the early stages of research and have yet to be commercialized. High expenses, estimated at $70,000 to $100,000 per robot, are a significant barrier. Tesla's Optimus, on the other hand, is likely to be more affordable, approximately $30,000.

Leju Robot showed off its Kuavo robot, which runs Huawei's OpenHarmony operating system. Their engineer, Wu Changxuan, emphasized the difficulties of designing software for these robots, which extend beyond the physical intricacies.

China has set an ambitious goal: to mass-produce humanoid robots by 2025. The Shanghai meeting shows that they are making progress in this area, with Tesla's Optimus facing possible competition from domestic solutions.