From robot-carrying vehicles to driverless taxis and autonomous coffee carts, Chinese companies showcased new applications of self-driving technology at the World Intelligent Connected Vehicles Conference, which concluded in Beijing on Friday, October 23.

One highlight was a concept vehicle from Beijing-based startup Fittbus, designed to transport and recharge humanoid robots, robot dogs and drones for outdoor tasks such as equipment inspections and emergency response. It also functions as a mobile repair workshop and control centre, allowing engineers to maintain and coordinate robots in the field.

Meanwhile, autonomous mobility is already carrying passengers in Beijing. In the southern district of Yizhuang, visitors experienced a roughly 20-minute ride in a Didi robotaxi, which navigated local roads without human steering.

Outside the venue, Robo Space demonstrated its Robo X5 autonomous drinks cart, using two robotic arms to prepare iced Americanos. Designed for exhibitions and tourist attractions, the cart can operate without onboard staff, with plans to expand its menu to include ice cream and hot dogs.