The rapid advancement of large artificial intelligence models and embodied intelligence is fueling upgrades in hardware and scenario integration, injecting fresh vitality into the cultural and tourism sector, experts said.

At the recent Intelligent Robot Carnival, operators used virtual reality to remotely control humanoid robots from Shiyun Technology (Tianjin) Co for live boxing matches, winning warm applause from on-site spectators. The event took place in Hexi district from May 28 through May 31 in Tianjin, alongside the 2026 World Intelligence Expo.

"The entire experience was incredibly fulfilling and eye-opening. Having never joined tech or cultural tourism events before, I was fascinated by the mix of cutting-edge tech, robot shows and fun interactions," said Muhammed Radhiat Ibrahim, a Nigerian art student at Tiangong University, adding advanced technologies have become easy and fun for ordinary visitors.

A major highlight of the expo is its close-contact experience featuring indoor immersive displays plus outdoor live performances, enabling visitors to interact closely with robots, said Cui Wei, deputy secretary-general of the Tianjin Municipal Government.

"I'm most impressed by the robot welcoming squad. They wave and turn in precise unison and shift formations following music beats," said Anamaria Faasoesa Ranadi Visinia Tuala, a Samoan art student at Tiangong University.

Shiyun has rolled out a full lineup of humanoid robots capable of group choreography, delivering allround robot performance solutions for scenic spots, museums and galas.

At the exhibition booth of the Unmanned Systems Interdisciplinary Center, Tianjin University, children got up close to cutting-edge AI technologies under staff guidance. On display were a six-rotor aircraft, self-balancing motorcycle, firefighting robotic dog and inspection robot, bringing the youngsters a fascinating experience.

"We host popular science activities at the cultural center to spark kids' interest in science and technology, and help the public understand our research goes beyond academics to tackle core industrial challenges," said Xie Hui, head of the center.

"Marking China's first large-scale all-outdoor comprehensive robot gala, the carnival abandons conventional indoor exhibition modes. Spanning 17,000 square meters at Tianjin Cultural Center, it forms an open, boundless tech venue," said Gong Kejia, director of the Hexi district bureau of science and technology.

"The outdoor format completely transformed how I interacted with technology," Ibrahim said. "Unlike indoor exhibitions, where visitors mostly watch from a distance, here I could stand right next to the robot calligraphy demonstration and observe every brushstroke up close."

"AI boasts great adaptability for large-scale conservation, inheritance, revitalization and utilization of cultural relics as well as natural and cultural resources," said Yu Haibo, an associate professor with the College of Tourism and Service Management at Nankai University.

"Every year we introduce cutting-edge robotic products, upgrade displays, competitions and performances, improve popular science programs and polish the city's IP with distinctive sci-tech tourism offerings to brand Tianjin as a renowned smart city," Gong added.

Hexi plans to institutionalize the carnival as Tianjin's landmark brand linking sci-tech, cultural tourism and industrial exchanges.

Chen Yijun contributed to this story.