Humanoid robots dressed in traditional qipaos have appeared at examination centres across China to cheer on students taking the country’s highly competitive university entrance exam, the Gaokao.
According to Chinese media reports, robots were deployed at multiple exam venues on June 8 to encourage candidates and help ease nerves during the nationwide examination period.
At a school in Hangzhou, robots wearing red qipaos performed dances for students arriving at the test centre. The performances drew smiles from candidates and parents gathered outside.
In Shenzhen, robot traffic police officers helped manage entry points and greeted students with messages of encouragement, including “Good luck” and fist bumps.
Meanwhile, at a school in Nanjing, robots performed acrobatic routines and held signs reading “Gaokao Fighting” — a popular Chinese expression used to motivate exam takers.
China’s Biggest Academic Test
The Gaokao, often described as China’s most important examination, began on June 7 and is widely seen as a life-changing test that can determine university admissions and future career opportunities.
According to China’s Ministry of Education, around 12.9 million students registered for this year’s exam.
However, the number of candidates fell by 450,000 compared with last year, marking the second consecutive annual decline in registrations.
Robots Become Part Of Daily Life
The appearance of humanoid robots at Gaokao venues reflects China’s growing push to integrate robotics and artificial intelligence into everyday life.
From schools and hospitals to factories and public services, Chinese authorities and technology companies are increasingly showcasing advanced robots as symbols of the country’s technological ambitions.
