Chinese Robots Steal the Show at LEAP 2026 in Saudi Arabia

At the LEAP Tech Conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (August 31 – September 3, 2026), Chinese robotics products emerged as the event's unexpected heartbeat. The robot fighting ring at the Unitree Robotics booth became the show's most popular attraction, with two humanoid robots wearing boxing gloves and protective headgear staging combat demonstrations to gasping, cheering crowds.

Ali Alshaer, a young Saudi visitor, 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.' A wall of smartphones rose around the ring, capturing every jab and feint.

At the AGIBOT booth, the AGIQUAD D1 MaxPro — a large quadruped robot fitted with a 'saddle' — drew curious onlookers who lined up for a chance to ride. Built for industrial inspections and emergency rescue with heavy payload and all-terrain capability, it was no amusement park novelty. Russian visitor Yulia Bekulova stepped off with wide eyes: 'This is the future. Things I read about in books as a child have now become reality. China is really changing the world.'

HONOR made the overseas debut of its Robot Phone — the world's first mass-produced phone with a fully motorized 3-axis mechanical gimbal. Liao Gang, CEO of HONOR Saudi Arabia, noted that AI and robotics are important parts of Saudi Vision 2030. AGIBOT's Deng Feng said the company has established a Middle East team and is pursuing local partnerships.

The robotics spectacle continues beyond LEAP: Hero Esports announced CyberHero x Riyadh, the Middle East's first humanoid robot kickboxing event, for September 9, 2026 at 9 PM at MBC Studio 1, Boulevard City. Ten full-sized robots will clash in a high-tech ring, combining robotic competition with music, lighting and immersive live entertainment, as part of a new worldwide CyberHero series with Riyadh as its launchpad.

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.

— Ali Alshaer, Saudi visitor at LEAP 2026