IFA 2026: Humanoid robots on the runway, Physical AI and intelligent helpers for everyday life

IFA 2026 showcases the full spectrum of developments in robotics

IFA Berlin is showcasing the full spectrum of the latest developments in robotics. Humanoid robots are dancing and performing backflips on the runway, while autonomous machines compete against each other in football. Physical AI could also support people with physically demanding tasks in the future and help ease their workload. Experts discussed, for example, how robots could learn to understand families’ eating and cooking habits.

“Alongside artificial intelligence, robotics is one of the key future topics at IFA 2026. Humanoids on the runway, Physical AI and intelligent robotic systems for the home demonstrate the wide range of possible applications. These systems are developing rapidly and becoming increasingly integrated into people’s everyday lives. At IFA, we can see just how quickly robotics is advancing: visitors can now experience first-hand what seemed like science fiction only a few years ago,” said Leif Lindner, CEO of IFA Management GmbH.

Backflips, Tai Chi and splits: Humanoid robots delight audiences on the runway

Dancing humanoids, Tai Chi demonstrations, backflips and the splits on the runway: during the highly attended “Robots on the Runway” live show, the IFA Creator Stage became a showcase for the latest developments in robotics. Combining technology, movement and entertainment, the show created an impressive live experience. Humanoid robots demonstrated their agility, answered the host’s questions and interacted with the audience. The show also featured robotic systems designed to interact with pets. Another four-legged robot demonstrated how the technology could help save lives during fires and other emergencies. Afterwards, visitors had the opportunity to meet the robots up close.

The diversity of “Robots on the Runway” was also reflected in the number of participating brands. Never before have so many humanoid robots been presented at IFA Berlin. The participating brands were PrimeBot Robots, EngineAI, Cozio Robotics, Dobot Robot, DEEP Robotics, Agibot, Unitree, ZBy – Mind with Heart, Ollobot, Astrall Dynamics and AIMOGA.

NEURA Robotics demonstrates the future potential of Physical AI

In his keynote, “From Europe, for the World: Building the Ecosystem for Physical AI”, on the Innovation Stage today, David Reger, founder and CEO of NEURA Robotics, explained how Physical AI is driving the evolution of robotics and why the technology is becoming increasingly important for industry and the workplace. Reger outlined why leading economies around the world are investing more heavily in robotics and highlighted the potential of Physical AI, particularly in light of demographic change and the growing labour shortage. He said that the world’s largest economies had long recognised robotics as a strategic priority for the future. The reason is simple: the world is facing profound demographic change and a growing shortage of workers. Robotics could play a decisive role in closing this gap.

Physical AI forms the basis of this development and represents the next stage in the evolution of artificial intelligence. Rather than merely processing information, AI enables machines to perceive their physical surroundings, respond to changes and perform tasks autonomously. The systems’ ability to learn is crucial to this development. The full IFA 2026 keynote is available here: IFA 2026 – Keynote NEURA Robotics.

When robots understand families and their food preferences

Experts discussed how robotic systems could soon be used in private homes during yesterday’s Smart Living Forum on the Dream Stage. The panel, “Robots in the Kitchen and Home: From Task-Specific Tools to Humanoids”, focused on how humanoid robots could find their way into kitchens and homes.

The panellists were Jennifer Pattison Tuohy (Senior Reviewer, Smart Home, The Verge), Raghav Gupta (Co-founder and CEO, Posha), Michael Wolf (Editor and Founder, The Spoon), Dr Glenn Mathijssen (Managing Director, Alberts Products, Circus Group) and Jiyuan Zou, CMO of PrimeBot Robots.

Jiyuan Zou, CMO of PrimeBot Robots, brought a small humanoid robot onto the stage, offering the audience a first-hand glimpse of the technology’s future. His vision is that robots should do more than process ingredients or perform individual tasks. They should also understand a family’s environment, habits, and preferences. He explained that the kitchen is about more than preparing food. It is a private space filled with family memories, tastes, and aromas.

The full IFA 2026 panel discussion is available here: “IFA 2026 – Panel Talk: Robots in the Kitchen and Home: From Task-Specific Tools to Humanoids”.

RoboCup brings autonomous machines to the football pitch

Taking place in Hall 15 from 4 to 8 September, RoboCup demonstrates how far autonomous systems have already advanced in terms of movement, strategy and collaboration. Researchers and students from the fields of robotics, AI, computer science, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering compete against each other with systems they have developed themselves. Robot football is among the highlights: the autonomous machines analyse the game, make decisions independently, and coordinate with their teammates. Teams from across Germany are represented at IFA, including the reigning runner-up in the World Championship league for the smallest humanoid robots.

Outlook: IFA Highlights on Sunday

On Sunday, 6 September 2026, visitors can look forward to a wide range of keynotes, product launches and live experiences. Find all of tomorrow’s highlights here: IFA Programme for Sunday

IFA Images

You can find all images for IFA 2026 here: Media Galleries | IFA Berlin 2026 - Innovation For All