, Nov. 18 -- Athletes at China's 15th National Games encountered an unexpected twist during medal ceremonies: humanoid robots stepping in to help present awards.

In Shenzhen-one of China's major tech hubs-robots carried medals and sashes onto the podium, drawing loud cheers and photo-taking from the crowd.

"I was stunned. I didn't expect it at all," said Beijing's Meng Fanlong, who won silver in the men's 92kg boxing event. "Maybe robots will eventually do more than we can. I'm not sure I'll be able to outdo them."

As the first edition of the Games jointly hosted by the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the event has integrated robotics across numerous sports and logistical operations.

On the athletics field, robotic dogs tr...