China tests humanoid robots in tea farms before the 2026 World Robot Games

China launched a tea-farm robotics challenge in Fujian to test humanoid robots on real harvesting and processing tasks ahead of the 2026 World Humanoid Robot Games.

In Fuding’s tea region, robots picked leaves, carried loads, dried tea, and helped with roasting and pressing alongside human workers.

Researchers collected field data to improve general-purpose robotics and embodied AI in messy, real-world conditions.

The exercise is designed to push humanoid robots beyond controlled demos and measure mobility, dexterity, and perception for practical use.