Extrusion 2-2026

17 Extrusion 2/2026 Branche Intern ► www.ChinaplasOnline.com Humanoid Robotics : 2025 marked the first year of mass production for humanoid robots, and 2026 is a criti- cal turning point toward scaled de- ployment and accelerated commer- cialization. Humanoid robots are ra- pidly evolving from “performing on stage” and “competing in arenas” to “serving in households” and “working in factories.” IDC forecasts that in 2025, China’s spending on embodied intelligent ro- bots exceeded USD 1.4 billion, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 94% over the next five years. In this blue ocean market, breakthroughs in material technolo- gies are the core enabler of scaled ad- option, with plastics and rubber playing an indispensable role. Specialty engineering plastics such as PEEK and PPS, with high strength, low density, wear resistance, and self ‑ lubricating properties, are increa- singly replacing metals in robot joints, gears, and bearings. TPEs are used in flexible components such as artificial muscles and artificial skin. CHINAPLAS 2026 will gather more than 4,600 leading global exhibitors, actively responding to market de- mand while showcasing cutting-edge technologies, diverse application sce- narios and strong industry vitality. The exhibition will serve as an efficient bridge connecting traditional industry upgrades, emerging industry expan- sion, and future industry develop- ment. Intelligent Upgrades and Green Transformation : The “15th Five ‑ Year Plan” calls for the comprehensive im- plementation of the “AI+” initiative, aiming to seize the commanding heights of AI applications and empow- er industries across the spectrum. At the very start of 2026, a series of po- licy measures were introduced nation- wide, accelerating innovation in the integration of “AI+ manufacturing”. From industrial chain collaboration and upgrading to precise empower- ment of SMEs, AI technologies are now being fully embedded across all aspects of the manufacturing sector. Addressing the inefficiencies and low fault-tolerance of traditional ma- nual quality inspection, AI technolo- gies are now delivering a break- through solution, which precisely de- tecting micron-level defects while con- tinuously learning and iterating inspection standards, ensuring that even the smallest flaws are exposed. The Plan also emphasizes accelerat- ing a comprehensive green transfor- mation. The plastics and rubber industries, as a vital part of manufac- turing, are driving circular develop- ment through innovation, building an infinite loop ecosystem of “produc- tion-use-recycling-regeneration,” turn- ing waste into a new starting point for the circular economy. Recycled plastics, bio ‑ based and de- gradable materials, recycling techno- logies, digital solutions, and energy- efficient equipment will be the high- lights of CHINAPLAS 2026, with live demonstrations bringing the intelli- gent and green vision of the “15th Five ‑ Year Plan” into reality. Expanding High-Level Openness: A Global Meeting Place : 2026 marks the opening year of the “15th Five ‑ Year Plan” and a pivotal year for China to demonstrate resilience and vitality amid complex global economic condi- tions. The Plan underscores expan- ding high-level openness, promoting two-way investment cooperation, and guiding cross-border industrial and supply chain layouts. Chinese enter- prises are moving from “products going global” to “industrial chains going global” and “ecosystems going global.” In the meantime, foreign investors continue to expand in China. Against this backdrop of “going out” and “bringing in,” the value of internatio- nal trade platforms is increasingly prominent. As a hub for face-to-face technical exchange and business matchmaking, CHINAPLAS effectively breaks information barriers, builds in- dustry consensus, and strengthens collaborative innovation.