Chinese robot Yansyn-X2 sheds tears and responds to speech at Shanghai tech event

The Inclusion Conference 2026 in Shanghai showcased an advanced Chinese robot named Yansyn-X2, developed by Yanxi Technology in Ningbo. The robot demonstrated a unique ability to shed tears on request from an attendee, in a move aimed at making human-robot interaction more realistic.

Yansyn-X2 relies on an advanced artificial intelligence algorithm that analyzes conversational context, tone of voice, and emotional content. It then sends commands to components beneath its silicone face, allowing it to display sad facial expressions when it detects signs of sadness or empathy.

The robot uses a precise microfluidic system to pump liquid to the eye area, producing a single tear that moves down the cheek in a way that mimics human tears. This is achieved with a small pump and fine tubes that control the flow and speed of the liquid.

The current version of the robot is not fully mobile; it is a stationary model that can move its head, track people, and use its arms for gestures. The company is working on future generations that will use bio-inspired artificial muscles to improve the smoothness and variety of facial expressions.

This technology falls under the field of affective computing, which focuses on developing systems capable of recognizing and responding to human emotions. It reflects a new trend in robotics toward imitating emotional cues to enhance human interaction.

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