The 2017 World Robot Conference (WRC 2017) is to open in Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (E-town) on Aug 23, according to local media.

A press conference announces the upcoming 2017 World Robot Conference in Beijing on May 25. [Photo/internet]

In order to implement the plans outlined in the lectures delivered by President Xi Jinping regarding the development of the robotics industry at the Conference for Academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Chinese Academy of Engineering, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, China Association for Science and Technology, and Beijing Municipal People’s Government will jointly host WRC 2017.

The five-day conference will have four main components –– a forum, exhibition, competition, and themed activities –– and will discuss the status quo of the robotics industry, research and development and the future direction of the industry.

A file photo shows “Robot Jia Jia” at the 2016 World Robot Exhibition in Beijing, Oct 21, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

The exhibition is to display the latest achievements in the industry, including artificial intelligence systems, specialized robots and smart home robots. It will cover a total area of 50,000 square meters.

Some 100 companies involved in the industry will attend the exhibition, including Softbank, Yaskawa, Fanuc and HIT Robot Group.

This year’s WRC will include competitions for teenagers and students in the main schedule, with the aim of spurring scientific and technological innovation.

A crowd watches a flying robot in a file photo from the 2016 World Robot Exhibition in Beijing. The exhibition was held from Oct 21 to 25 as part of the 2016 World Robot Conference. [Photo/internet]