by Xinhua writers Liu Yang, Lin Shuting
BANGKOK, July 25 (Xinhua) -- As the countdown echoed through the IMPACT Challenger Hall in Bangkok, two Chinese-made humanoid robots joined guests on stage to press the ceremonial launch button, officially opening the Thailand-China Cooperation Expo 2026 on Wednesday.
This moment highlighted one of the most prominent features of this year's expo: a dedicated humanoid robot zone. Leading global tech companies, including UBTECH, AgiBot, and DOBOT, gathered to showcase cutting-edge advancements in artificial intelligence and smart manufacturing.
One of the robots participating in the opening ceremony was a humanoid robot developed by AgiBot. Although the Chinese robotics company entered the Thai market merely months ago, it has already secured a number of orders.
"Our robots are capable of performing a wide range of tasks and have broad application prospects," said Tanawut Palakawong Na Ayuttaya, who was in charge of AgiBot's exhibition booth.
According to Tanawut, AgiBot's robotic dogs, equipped with cameras and sensors, can be deployed in hazardous environments to conduct inspections and detect potential risks. Meanwhile, the company's bipedal humanoid robots are being utilized in commercial settings for performances, reception, and guidance.
Running from Wednesday to Saturday, the expo was organized by the Board of Trade of Thailand, the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, and the Chinese Enterprises Association in Thailand.
Now in its second consecutive year, the expo has evolved into a vital platform for economic, trade, and investment cooperation between Thailand and China, bringing together businesses, government agencies, and academic institutions to foster networking, business matching, and cross-border investment.
At the booth of CTT Logistics Co., Ltd., a premier Thai cross-border logistics enterprise, booth manager Parfan Nakkasem was busy introducing the company's cross-border logistics services to prospective business partners.
"Over the past year, we transported more than 100,000 containers in cooperation with Chinese companies," Parfan said, adding that the company has established offices in several Chinese cities.
She noted that shipments from Thailand can now reach China in just two to three days, and the company's business with Chinese partners continues to expand year over year.
Beyond economic and technological cooperation, education and academic exchange formed another focal point of the expo. The 2026 edition features dozens of Chinese universities and research institutions, offering scholarship opportunities and academic consultation to help Thai students explore higher education options in both Thailand and China.
In the education fair, Thanatchaphorn Fongkham, project specialist of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Innovation Cooperation Center (Bangkok), was on hand to provide details of the scholarship for interested students and their parents.
As Thanatchaphorn introduced, the scholarship provides living allowances for international students pursuing master's and doctoral degrees at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences and the University of Science and Technology of China.
While many Thai universities emphasize theoretical learning, the scholarship-supported programs place greater focus on scientific research and hands-on training, she said, adding that students can take courses in science and engineering disciplines, including robotics, electric vehicles and artificial intelligence. ■
