Core Viewpoint - The recent trend of humanoid robots showcasing their capabilities, referred to as "showboating," is gaining attention in the industry, but there are concerns about the long-term value and practical applications of such demonstrations [3][20][24] Group 1: Industry Trends - Humanoid robots are increasingly performing complex and visually appealing tasks, such as dancing, martial arts, and even participating in marathons, to attract public interest and investment [4][8][19] - The "showboating" phenomenon has led to a surge in visibility for startups and established companies in the robotics sector, with significant media coverage and social media engagement [6][23] - The "Hangzhou Six Little Dragons," a group of six unicorn companies, have gained attention alongside the trend, benefiting from the city's promotional efforts [6] Group 2: Technical Capabilities - The showcased actions test robots' overall mobility, joint flexibility, and hand control, which are essential for their development and potential applications [8][9] - The concept of "embodied intelligence" has emerged as a critical measure of a robot's success, emphasizing the need for robots to understand and interact with their environment effectively [9][14] - Despite impressive demonstrations, experts highlight that basic operations like walking and obstacle avoidance are foundational, while more complex actions are considered "showboating" [9][10] Group 3: Investment and Market Dynamics - The robotics sector has seen a significant increase in financing events, with 102 occurrences reported in 2023, surpassing the previous year's figures [23][22] - Major tech companies, including Tencent and Alibaba, are investing in robotics, indicating a growing interest in the sector [22][23] - "Showboating" serves as a marketing strategy to attract investors and enhance brand visibility, leveraging the novelty and excitement of robotic capabilities [23][24] Group 4: Challenges and Future Directions - There are concerns that an over-reliance on "showboating" may divert focus from practical applications, potentially leading to a bubble in the industry [20][24] - Experts emphasize the importance of developing robots that can perform useful tasks in everyday life, rather than merely showcasing impressive skills [20][24] - The industry is encouraged to establish unified technical standards and testing protocols to facilitate growth and ensure the reliability of robotic applications [18][24]