Chinese Innovations Take Center Stage at LEAP Tech Conference in Saudi Arabia
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| Visitors watch two humanoid robots of Unitree Robotics boxing at the LEAP 2026 Tech Conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 2, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua) |
With straight punches, hooks, and roundhouse kicks, two humanoid robots fitted with boxing gloves and protective headgear staged a high-energy combat demonstration in the center of a ring. Surrounding the action, a sea of smartphones captured every jab and feint while the audience reacted to the performance with gasps and cheers akin to a professional title fight.
This was the scene at the LEAP Tech Conference in the Saudi capital of Riyadh, where the combat ring at the Unitree Robotics exhibit emerged as one of the event’s primary highlights.
"I was just passing by, but they immediately caught my attention," Ali Alshaer, a young Saudi attendee, told Xinhua. "I didn't expect robotics to have advanced this far. Their movements are very smooth, their responses quick, and they can perform such a wide variety of actions."
Organized by the Saudi Ministry of Communications and Information Technology alongside partner institutions, LEAP operates under the theme "Into New Worlds" for its run from Aug. 31 to Sept. 3. Throughout the exhibition, various Chinese robotic products have established themselves as audience favorites—not merely for their entertainment value, but for the practical capabilities they showcase to attendees.
At the AGIBOT exhibit, a large quadruped robot equipped with a saddle generated significant interest, drawing visitors who waited in line for an opportunity to ride the machine.
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| A visitor rides a quadruped robot of AGIQUAD at the LEAP 2026 Tech Conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 2, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua) |
According to company representatives, the AGIQUAD D1 MaxPro is far more than an amusement novelty. Featuring heavy payload capacity and all-terrain adaptability, the system was engineered specifically for industrial inspections and emergency response operations.
"We hope visitors can personally experience the robot's payload and mobility capabilities," a company representative stated.
Yulia Bekulova, a visitor from Russia, shared her reaction immediately after riding the platform.
"This is the future. This is absolutely crazy. Things I read about in books as a child have now become reality," Bekulova said, noting that China currently operates at the forefront of the robotics industry. "China is really changing the world. In the past, it made daily life around the world more convenient through mass production. Now, China is producing such high-tech products, and the world can benefit."
The event also marked the international debut of the HONOR Robot Phone following its initial launch in August. Promoted as the world's first mass-produced smartphone featuring an integrated motorized 3-axis mechanical gimbal, the device drew a continuous stream of visitors seeking hands-on demonstrations.
"Some functions that once required professional filming gear are now on a phone. This impressed me a lot," said Amr Aljamal, a visitor from Jordan. "We are seeing so many highly innovative solutions coming from China."
Liao Gang, CEO of HONOR Saudi Arabia, framed the release as a major achievement for the brand. "Through LEAP, we hope to further demonstrate the rapid development of China's artificial intelligence (AI) technology, and bring more and better Chinese products to Saudi consumers in the future," Liao said.
Liao highlighted that AI and robotics form crucial components of Saudi Vision 2030, adding that the local market holds substantial growth potential. "We also showcased another two HONOR Robotics models here, and believe they will enter the Saudi market soon," he noted.
Deng Feng, President of AGIBOT for the Middle East and Asia-Pacific region, confirmed that the company has deployed a dedicated regional team to actively build local commercial partnerships. Deng identified the Middle East as one of the world's most promising markets for AI and robotics, emphasizing that Chinese enterprises and regional partners are well-positioned to complement each other in advancing the embodied intelligence sector.
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| A staff member introduces the HONOR Robot Phone to a visitor at the LEAP 2026 Tech Conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 2, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua) |
During a tour of the various exhibits, Chang Hua, Chinese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, told Xinhua that LEAP demonstrates a clear rise in Chinese robotics firms bringing advanced technologies into the Saudi market, where they continue to meet strong interest from both industry partners and the general public.
"China has always carried out scientific and technological cooperation in a spirit of openness," Chang stated. "Many Chinese companies are already discussing robot applications with their Saudi partners. We hope these talks bear fruit soon, and we believe more companies will join this cooperation in the future."
Back inside the ring, the demonstration robots continued their sequence—bearing Chinese branding while showcasing a global trajectory of innovation, offering attendees a practical preview of technology transitioning from concept to reality.
