Hong Kong Expo Reveals Robots' Biggest Challenge: Batteries

Robots can run marathons and work in factories, but after three days at Hong Kong's InnoEX technology expo, journalist Bronwyn Thompson discovered they share something in common with exhausted humans: they need frequent breaks.

The conference showcased around 100 robots of all types, from humanoids to robot dogs. What stood out wasn't just the impressive technology, but the honest gap between viral videos and real-world capabilities.

China is leading the robotics revolution, and the advancements on display proved it. Beijing's Linkerbot demonstrated hands with more degrees of freedom than any previous model, controlling a humanoid band with stunning dexterity. Another Beijing company, Humanoid, had its dancing model captivating crowds with fluid, natural movements.

But the most memorable moments came when robots showed their limitations. UBTech's Walker S2 stood upright but motionless, clearly conserved its battery. EngineAI's PM01 humanoid looked like an exhausted call-center worker, and an AgiBot model captured exactly how attendees felt on day three of the marathon expo.

The battery problem isn't surprising. A 2026 study confirmed that as bipedal robots get better at autonomous operation, their movements drain existing energy supplies faster. Even the most advanced models must stop frequently to recharge.

The Bright Side

These battery limitations actually highlight how far the technology has come. Just a few years ago, humanoid robots couldn't perform the complex tasks that now exhaust their power supplies. Companies like Shenzhen's EngineAI and Galbot are creating robots that can retrieve items from shelves, serve tea, and interact with customers.

The expo also revealed the industry's creative solutions. Shenzhen's DX Intech Technology designed service robots that glide on wheeled bases instead of walking, conserving energy while maintaining an almost eerily human appearance. It's a practical compromise that could bring robots into customer service roles sooner.

Thompson's favorite discovery was Linkerbot's hand technology, which she called a genuine highlight. The company is positioned to dominate the humanoid hand market, and watching their creations manipulate objects with human-like precision showed what's possible when one challenge gets solved.

The three-day test proved exhausting for both humans and machines, but it offered something valuable: an honest look at progress without the hype. These robots aren't ready to work 24-hour shifts, but they're advancing rapidly in the areas that matter most.

The future of robotics might look less like tireless machines and more like capable colleagues who occasionally need a charging break.