Tokyo summit wows audience with humanoids and robotic hands that can thread a needle

At the Humanoids Summit 2026 in Tokyo, Japanese and Chinese firms showcased humanoid robots, dexterous hands, and quadrupeds for real-world tasks.

Demonstrations included needle threading, airport cargo handling, deliveries, and medical research, signaling a shift from prototypes to practical use.

Japan’s robotics strengths were on display, but Chinese developers are gaining influence by pushing lower-cost humanoid production.

The race reflects Japan’s push to automate amid labor shortages and an aging population, especially in logistics and services.