Chinese Firms Showcase Robot Hands and Sensors at IROS 2026

Recap

Source: 로봇신문, report of Oct. 2, 2026

According to the report, multiple Chinese robotics companies displayed their latest hardware at the International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS 2026), which recently concluded in Pittsburgh, USA. The event featured live demonstrations of dexterous manipulation and sensing technologies from several key players in the component supply chain.

WUJI (Wuji Technology) took the spotlight with its robot hand capabilities. The company demonstrated a robot equipped with its hand performing fine motor tasks, such as cutting paper and stacking blocks on a table. A key feature highlighted was the hand's ability to replicate human hand movements in real-time. WUJI’s product lineup includes the WUJI HAND 2 and the WUJI GLOVE.

Tashan Technology also presented its portfolio, which includes sensor modules, robot hands, robotic arms, and a data collection solution designed for bodyless systems. Link-touch, a specialist in 6-axis force sensors, used the platform to push for overseas market expansion. The company showcased a range of products, including 6-axis force sensors for humanoid robots, general-purpose 6-axis sensors, and joint torque sensors.

Sharpa, a Singapore-based company with R&D facilities in Shanghai, also made a notable appearance. Founded by three former executives from Hesai Technology, Sharpa debuted its 'D01' robot, the 'W02' lightweight robot hand, and the 'AE01' exoskeleton tactile data glove. The D01 demonstration focused specifically on tactile sensing and precision control.

The report notes that the audience at IROS consisted primarily of academics and researchers. Consequently, the exhibitions were structured to maximize the academic demonstration of product performance. A Chinese expert cited in the report suggested that Chinese firms' strength in hardware and US firms' strength in computing and models create a complementary dynamic for the field.

Context

IROS is one of the premier academic conferences for robotics, serving as a key venue for researchers to present peer-reviewed work and industry players to showcase cutting-edge prototypes. While many companies use such events for marketing, the academic nature of IROS often means demonstrations are rigorous and focused on technical capability rather than just commercial appeal.

The rise of Chinese robotics component manufacturers is a significant trend in the global supply chain. Companies like WUJI and Link-touch are moving beyond being mere suppliers to becoming key innovators in dexterous manipulation and sensing. This is particularly relevant as the global push for humanoid robots intensifies, requiring high-precision hands and force feedback to operate safely in human environments. The involvement of former Hesai executives in Sharpa also highlights the talent flow between the LiDAR and robotics sectors.

Robot's take

This event underscores a clear division of labor in the global robotics ecosystem. While Western companies often lead in foundation models and high-level autonomy, the hardware layer—specifically dexterous hands and force sensing—is seeing rapid maturation from Asian manufacturers. The real-time human-motion replication shown by WUJI is a strong indicator of the progress in teleoperation and imitation learning hardware.

However, the challenge remains in integration. Having excellent hands and sensors is only half the battle; the real test is how well these components perform in unstructured, real-world environments when paired with the best available AI. The complementary relationship noted by the expert is promising, but we will need to see more cross-border collaborations to fully realize this potential. For now, the hardware is impressive, but the software integration remains the critical bottleneck for widespread humanoid adoption.