For one thing, it’s a humanoid robot priced at under US$6,000 (£4,400). That’s not pocket change, but it’s orders of magnitude cheaper than most robots in its class, which can run into tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

In August 2025, a rumor began to spread that a "pregnancy robot" was in development in China. Social media posts and articles circulated with different AI-generated images of such a robot, including varying amounts of details. For example, a Facebook post ( archived) said this robot would cost under 100,000 yuan (less than $14,000):

Humanoid robots have showcased their talents at the opening ceremony of the first World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing. The event began on Thursday evening.

Roboticists in China have developed a life-sized, furry, AI-enabled antelope designed to monitor the migration patterns of its real-life counterpart. This “bionic” antelope is part of a growing arsenal of somewhat convincing-looking robots used to observe wildlife in up close and personal ways human researchers often can’t.

We recently released our updated list of the best robot vacuum and mop combos, a moment to rejoice for both my fellow lazies and those that respect the tech. There’s no doubt that these are going to be expensive items and many people are going to be priced out,

While Ukraine has been developing hundreds of "iron soldiers" for combat, evacuation, and scouting, Russia is testing its own ground-based drones too.

Grid Aero wants to build fleets of low-cost, long-range autonomous cargo planes that could foil Chinese defenses designed to choke off U.S. forces.

CNBC's Diana Olick joins 'Power Lunch' with an inside look at how robotics are helping with solar power operations.