A troupe of nine humanoid robots executed a perfectly synchronised dance routine at Web Summit 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal, earning loud applause from the thousands of attendees packed into the MEO Arena. Built by the Chinese robotics firm AgiBot, the machines dominated the opening ceremony on 9 November as the technology conference got underway.
In a first for the event, humanoid robots also took on the role of official speakers, joining panel discussions and live demonstrations alongside their human counterparts. Elsewhere on the show floor, visitors encountered Galbot’s wheeled, two-armed machine, engineered for tasks in retail stores, pharmacies and factories.
This year’s summit drew roughly 70,000 participants from 164 countries, with China sending its largest delegation to date, including more than 50 representatives from its artificial intelligence and robotics industries.
Founded in Dublin in 2009, Web Summit relocated to Lisbon in 2016 and has since grown into one of Europe’s flagship technology gatherings. The latest edition brought together thousands of start-ups, investors and industry leaders, with founder Paddy Cosgrave pointing to China’s expanding influence across the sector.
The gathering was not without setbacks, as Storm Charles forced organisers to scrap the programme on 11 November, before activities resumed for the closing day on 12 November. Despite the interruption, the summit showcased the latest advances in robotics and automation while further cementing Lisbon’s standing as an international meeting point for technology and investment.
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