Humanoid Robots Join Human Dancers As WorldSkills 2026 Opens In Shanghai

The 48th WorldSkills Competition brings 1,385 competitors from 68 countries and regions to Shanghai for 64 skills competitions.

The opening ceremony of the 48th WorldSkills Competition saw humanoid robots performing alongside humans. The international skills competition attracted participants from around the world in Shanghai.

The ceremony took place on Sept. 22 and featured a performance by humanoid robots alongside human performers, according to an official report from the Shanghai Municipal Government. According to Euronews, the robot-assisted performance received applause from the crowd.

The humanoid robot performance was one of several displays in the opening program where traditional skills and new technologies were put on display. Xinhua reported that performances at the opening ceremony showcased Chinese craftsmanship traditions alongside humanoid robots and human artists.

The competition itself brings together 1,385 competitors from 68 countries and regions across 64 skill events. The event runs from Sept. 22 to 27, with the main skills competitions taking place from Sept. 23 to 26 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, according to WorldSkills International.

China has entered 71 competitors across all 64 skills, according to Xinhua. The competition is intended to showcase practical vocational abilities under standardized competitive conditions, with participants completing hands-on tasks during the four-day contest period.