As Lunar New Year festivities reach their peak across the Chinese mainland, an unexpected group has joined traditional dragon dancers and lantern makers this week: humanoid robots. These advanced machines, dressed in crimson Lunar New Year attire, are currently performing lion dances in Shanghai malls, writing auspicious "Fu" characters in Beijing markets, and demonstrating martial arts moves in Guangzhou public squares.
The robotic participation highlights China's rapid progress in artificial intelligence and automation. Industry analysts report over 120,000 humanoid robots deployed nationwide this year, with many programmed specifically for cultural engagements. A Shenzhen-developed model recently gained attention for autonomously purchasing New Year decorations at a Hangzhou supermarket, using integrated facial recognition for payment.
"This integration of tradition and technology reflects our industry's maturation," said Dr. Wei Lin, a robotics researcher at Tsinghua University. "These robots aren't just novelties – they're helping maintain cultural practices while demonstrating practical applications of AI."
As families gather for reunion dinners on February 18, 2026, municipal governments have deployed robot assistants at major transportation hubs to help travelers. The developments coincide with China's robotics sector growth, which saw 22% year-on-year expansion in Q4 2025 according to Ministry of Industry and Information Technology data.
