San Francisco played host too a engaging glimpse into the future of robotics at the recent tech showcase, October 13-15, 2026. I’ve found that the convergence of artificial intelligence and physical automation is rapidly shifting from science fiction to tangible reality, and this event offered compelling evidence of that conversion.
The Rise of Service Robots
The demand for robots capable of assisting in everyday tasks is surging, driven by labor shortages and an aging global population. According to a recent report by the International Federation of Robotics, service robot sales increased by 25% in 2025, indicating a meaningful market trend. I observed several companies demonstrating innovative solutions designed to address these needs.
The Convenience store Clerk: Galbot‘s retail Vision
Galbot, a Chinese company specializing in multi-modal large language models and general purpose robotics, presented a particularly intriguing demonstration. Their booth was cleverly designed to resemble a convenience store, showcasing a robot capable of fulfilling customer orders. You simply select an item from a digital menu, and the robot retrieves it for you.
I tested the system by choosing a box of Sour Patch Kids, and the robot efficiently located and delivered the candy. The company highlights that this robot isn’t just a concept; it’s already being deployed in real-world settings, including assisting at pharmacies in China, as reported in this article.
The Housekeeper: Dyna Robotics and the Future of Laundry
For years, automating laundry folding has been a benchmark challenge for robotics engineers. It’s considered a fundamental test of a robot’s dexterity and problem-solving abilities. Dyna Robotics, a firm focused on advanced manipulation models, impressed me with their demonstration of robotic arms efficiently folding laundry and neatly stacking it.
A representative from Dyna explained that they’ve already partnered with hotels, gyms, and factories to implement their technology. Notably, they’re working with Monster Laundry in Sacramento, California, which now bills itself as the first laundry center in North America to utilize a robotic folding system.
Dyna Robotics’ innovation hasn’t gone unnoticed by investors. In September, they secured $120 million in Series A funding, with participation from industry giants like Nvidia’s NVentures, Amazon, LG, Salesforce, and Samsung, as detailed here.