French Firm Aims to Boost Collaboration for Chinese Festivals

Chinese humanoid robots made their overseas debut at a Spring Festival parade in Paris, representing a significant milestone for the global outreach of China's robotics industry. The showcase, organized by INNOV8 Group, underscored the intersection of advanced technology and cultural expression, providing a shared experience for attendees that was driven by innovation.

Held along the iconic Champs-Élysées Avenue, the parade celebrated Chinese New Year and featured the highly anticipated humanoid robots, which emerged as a key highlight of the event. According to Xinhua News Agency, these remarkable robots were provided by Chinese company Unitree Robotics and their French distributor, INNOV8 Group.

Stephane Bohbot, Founder and CEO of INNOV8 Group, expressed the emotional impact of the event, stating, "When these robots stopped to wave, and people spontaneously smiled and applauded — particularly children and families — it was very moving. There was no fear, only curiosity and joy. At that moment, the robot transcended its mechanical identity to become part of a shared experience, exemplifying the true sense of technology."

Throughout the procession, the humanoid robots engaged with an eager audience, pausing, turning elegantly, and waving to spectators who raised their cameras to capture the delightful interactions. These charming moments contributed to an atmosphere of excitement and warmth along the parade route.

This year's event, which involved the collaboration of multiple Chinese and French institutions, attracted approximately 800 participants and drew around 100,000 residents and tourists, as reported by the People's Daily. The scale of the event highlights the growing interest in cultural exchanges.

Bohbot noted that the spectacle represented a fusion of technology with Chinese cultural heritage, portraying a modern China that thrives on innovation. He articulated a sentiment of emotion and responsibility in presenting the Spring Festival in such a globally recognized public space.

Reflecting on the collaboration behind the scenes, Bohbot explained the integral roles of both Unitree Robotics, which provided the robotic systems, and INNOV8 Group, which tailored the robots to fit the parade conditions and local safety standards. Movements such as waving and nodding were carefully calibrated for a natural and welcoming presentation.

The success of the parade is indicative of a broader trend in which China's robotics companies are increasingly focused on global expansion and international collaboration. Numerous firms have secured significant contracts and partnerships, further establishing their presence in markets worldwide.

Industry analysts highlight the synergy between traditional Chinese festival culture and the advancements in technology, enhancing the cultural appeal of these festivals on a global scale. This evolution is facilitated by the technical standards and the rising international recognition of Chinese enterprises.

Bohbot suggested that future collaborations could extend to other traditional Chinese festivals throughout Europe, with technology acting as a bridge for cultural exchange. He emphasized France's openness to artistic and technological experimentation, and the robust Franco-Chinese partnership that made the Paris debut both achievable and meaningful.