The World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing, aimed at displaying humanlike robots’ skills at sports and everyday tasks, featured stop-start hotel bellhops and a maid that missed the trash bin.

China has opened what it is calling the world's first 'Robot Mall' in Beijing. This first-of-its-kind 4S-style store is dedicated to the exclusive sale of robots to the general public.

Once the stuff of science fiction, robots that move and look like humans are becoming a reality. Makers of these so-called humanoid robots tout a range of possible uses, including filling jobs in ...