AGIBOT showcases robotics future in Melbourne

Some of the world’s latest robotics technology was on show in Melbourne on July 17, as Chinese embodied AI company AGIBOT hosted its Australia and New Zealand Partner Conference at the Ritz-Carlton on Lonsdale St.

The event marked AGIBOT’s official launch in the Australia and New Zealand market and brought together business, government and industry representatives for a showcase of humanoid and quadruped robots, including two AGIBOT robots performing a synchronised Nutbush dance.

Others were seen riding dog-like quadruped robots, while demonstrations highlighted how robotics technology could be used across sectors including retail, service industries, manufacturing, logistics, security, commercial cleaning, research, education and entertainment.

The conference was attended by Lord Mayor Nick Reece, City of Melbourne councillors Gladys Liu and Philip Le Liu, Member for Northern Metropolitan Region Sheena Watt, Consul of the People’s Republic of China in Melbourne Duan Dejan, and representatives from AGIBOT, P&E Family Office and the local business community.

AGIBOT said the conference was an important step in its long-term commitment to supporting local partners, customers and the deployment of embodied AI across Australia and New Zealand. The company used the event to launch a local Robot-as-a-Service model, aimed at making advanced robots more accessible without large upfront investment.

Gordon Yao, vice-president of AGIBOT’s Asia Pacific and Middle East region, said the event was “more than a product launch”.

“It is an opportunity to work together, build a strong partnership, and create a complete robotics ecosystem,” Mr Yao said.

He said Australia and New Zealand were entering an important period for AI, robotics and smart automation, with strong demand emerging in industries facing workforce shortages, ageing populations and productivity challenges.

“These challenges create a strong demand for practical and local robotics solutions,” he said.

AGIBOT said its product portfolio included humanoid robots, quadrupeds, dexterous systems and commercial cleaning solutions. In June 2026, the company announced that its 15,000th robot had rolled off the production line.

Lord Mayor Nick Reece said Melbourne was excited by the potential of robotics and its role in shaping better cities.

“At the City of Melbourne, we lean in to technological innovation,” Cr Reece said.

With the extraordinary advances that are happening in robotics, we see the enormous potential for this technology to deliver better lives for people, more meaningful lives, more prosperous lives.

Cr Reece said Melbourne had a long history of embracing new technology, pointing to the city’s role in the invention of the black box flight recorder and the bionic ear.

He said the event also highlighted the growing economic and innovation relationship between Melbourne and China, following his recent visits to Chinese cities including Tianjin, Nanjing, Chengdu and Beijing.

“It opened my eyes to the incredible robotics advances being made in China, but also there’s so many new grounds for collaboration,” Cr Reece said.

Consul Duan Dejun said artificial intelligence and robotics were increasingly important drivers of innovation and economic growth, noting that Chinese President Xi Jinping had recently attended a major AI and robotics event.

He said Victoria, and Melbourne in particular, had strong advantages in scientific research, advanced manufacturing and technological innovation.

“These strengths are highly complementary to China’s robust industrial ecosystem and the vast market for AI and humanoid robotics,” Mr Dejun said.

He said the Chinese Consulate-General would continue to promote cooperation between Victoria and China in scientific research, talent development, industrial collaboration and business partnerships.

The conference offered both spectacle and substance: dancing robots, rideable robotic dogs and a clear signal that the city’s relationship with China remains central to future opportunities in technology, trade and innovation.