Robot contestants inspect bookshelves and correct misplaced books at a library-themed event in Beijing on Aug. 16, 2026. (Photo:China News Service/Jia Tianyong)

The library-themed event simulates the workflow of human librarians, with robots competing in three tasks: collecting returned books, shelving books, and inspecting shelves for errors. Each robot must complete the tasks in sequence within the 30-minute competition.

Engineers make adjustments as participating robots wait backstage at a library-themed event in Beijing on Aug. 16, 2026. (Photo:China News Service/Jia Tianyong)

Robot contestants shelve books at a library-themed event in Beijing on Aug. 16, 2026. (Photo:China News Service/Jia Tianyong)