Humanoid Robot at Trade Fairs: A Practical Guide for Exhibitors

Written by ROBOTio Team · · 7 min read

Article summary

How to use a humanoid robot at a trade fair: practical stand scenarios, space preparation, model selection and risks to watch for, based on our own deployments.

A humanoid robot at a trade fair works as an attention-grabber and conversation opener: through movement and greetings it stops passers-by, welcomes them, and the operator turns this into the first line of a sales conversation or a photo opportunity with a link to a QR code. To make this work, you need a clear objective (footfall, leads, social media content), the right model and a prepared scenario. Below you will find specific scenarios, a preparation checklist and the points where mistakes most often occur. ## What a robot actually does at your stand At a trade fair, attention is won or lost in the first few seconds. A humanoid moves, greets and responds to people, so visitors stop, take out their phones and start asking questions. It is not a replacement for a sales representative, but the start of a contact that the sales representative then takes over. For [humanoid robot hire](https://robotio.eu/robot-rental), we always work with our own operators (two per robot for the entire duration of the event). The robot itself maintains movement and balance, while the operator controls direction and gestures, supervises the safe zone and adapts the programme to the pace of the day. The robot speaks the language in which the guest addresses it; we approve the persona and lines in advance. You will find further inspiration on the [robot for trade fairs](https://robotio.eu/robot-hire-by-event-type) page and in the article [Humanoid at a trade fair: a magnet for visitors](https://robotio.eu/blog/humanoid-na-veletrhu-stanek-magnet-na-navstevniky). ## Five scenarios that have proven themselves at trade fairs ### 1. Welcome and navigation The robot addresses people walking along the aisle, invites them to your stand and directs them to a demonstration or to a sales representative. This suits large trade fairs where stands tend to blend together. ### 2. Interactive product presentation In a few pre-approved lines, the robot presents your main new product and answers the most common questions. Keep the length and depth of the content short: at a stand, people stand for tens of seconds, not minutes. ### 3. Lead collection and basic qualification The robot can ask simple questions (industry, interest in the product) and follow up with a QR code or a meeting. Your sales representatives then have the data at their disposal. However, resolve in advance how you will collect and process contacts with regard to personal data protection. ### 4. Photos and content for social media Photos with the robot are usually the most popular part of the event, and visitors share them themselves. The operator manages the queue and keeps a safe distance. If you want to make targeted use of this, place a visible hashtag and a link to your brand's profile at the stand. More on this topic: [robot for photo opportunities](https://robotio.eu/robot-hire-by-event-type). ### 5. A short performance as the highlight of the day For a stronger moment, you can include a 5-minute ROBOrevue show (three humanoid robots and three live dancers). It requires a stage or a dedicated area of at least 12 × 6 m, so it is better suited to an evening programme or an accompanying stage than to a narrow stand. ## What our deployments show - **Brilon × Aquatherm, PVA Expo Letňany:** the video from the trade fair featuring the robot has over 2 million views. Details can be found in the [case study from PVA Letňany](https://robotio.eu/case-study/pva-letnany-otevreni-haly). - **Forbes Next Big Thing 2026, Brno:** the robots opened the main programme, met visitors throughout the day and also appeared in a live broadcast on TV Nova. See the [Forbes Next Big Thing case study](https://robotio.eu/case-study/forbes-next-big-thing-2026-brno). - **BEplan, Boby centrum Brno:** the robots were among the guests from the afternoon, accompanied a lecture on artificial intelligence and performed the Czech premiere of ROBOrevue in the evening. The entire deployment is described in the [BEplan Brno 2026 case study](https://robotio.eu/case-study/beplan-brno-2026-ceska-premiera-roborevue). The common lesson: a robot works best when it has a clear role in the day's programme, from welcoming guests through conversations to the main highlight, rather than just standing in a corner. ## Which model for which stand Our fleet is built on [Unitree robots](https://robotio.eu/brands/unitree): - **Unitree G1 (135 cm)** – compact, fits even into a narrower stand, suitable for welcoming guests and photo opportunities. Details: [Unitree G1](https://robotio.eu/unitree-g1-basic). - **Unitree H2 (180 cm)** – human height, clearly visible even from a distance in a crowded hall. Suitable for large halls and for the stage. - **Unitree Go2 robot dog** – appeals above all to children and families, so it suits trade fairs with a family programme. See [Unitree Go2](https://robotio.eu/unitree-go2) and [ROBOpes](https://robotio.eu/robopes). We can deploy up to 4 humanoids at a single event. You can find an overview of all models on the [models](https://robotio.eu/models) page. We do not hire out robots from other manufacturers (Tesla Optimus, Atlas, Figure and others); we only provide information about them. The alternative is the G1 or H2 from our fleet. ## What to prepare before the trade fair 1. **Objective and metric.** Number of leads, stand stops, reach of content on social media. Without this, success is difficult to assess. 2. **Space.** A flat and stable surface, room for photos and queues, a power socket nearby, and access for the operator and transport cases. For the ROBOrevue show, at least 12 × 6 m; for other formats, we will determine the area together. 3. **Scenario and lines.** These are approved in advance. At the celebration of its 130th anniversary, Podzimek built its programme on more than 70 custom-recorded lines; at a trade fair, considerably fewer are enough, but they should be precise. 4. **Languages.** If you expect international visitors, let us know right away. The robot speaks the language in which the guest addresses it. 5. **On-site rehearsal.** Installation and a rehearsal are part of the offer. Include it in the schedule for building your stand. 6. **Stand team.** Your sales representatives should know what the robot says and where it directs visitors. ## What to watch out for - **Noise in the hall.** At high volumes, both people and the robot have difficulty understanding. Short lines and visual elements (signs, a screen) help. - **Safe distance.** The operator supervises the space, but you must provide it. Do not place the robot in an aisle where crowds are squeezed together. - **Batteries and breaks.** We plan the programme with pauses for battery changes. Do not expect continuous operation without a break. - **Exaggerated expectations.** A robot is not a crowd of sales staff. It is a source of attention and the start of a conversation. - **Late booking.** Trade fair dates overlap. We confirm availability within 24 hours of your enquiry, but the sooner you get in touch, the more options you have. ## Frequently asked questions ### Does the robot have to be at the trade fair non-stop? No. The programme is planned according to visitor numbers and battery breaks. Shorter blocks at peak times and a calmer mode outside them often prove effective. ### Is a robot suitable for a small stand too? Yes, the compact Unitree G1, at a height of 135 cm, fits even into a narrower stand. We will recommend the exact set-up based on your floor plan. ### How much does it cost? We do not publish prices on our website. You will receive a price on request via the enquiry form, and we send our offer within 24 hours. ### What do you take care of? Operators, transport, on-site installation and rehearsal, scenario preparation and the selection of a suitable robot. You provide the space, a power socket and access. ## Would you like a robot at your trade fair? Send us the date, location and type of stand, and we will propose a suitable solution. You can submit a non-binding enquiry on the [robot hire for events](https://robotio.eu/robot-rental) page.

Want to see a humanoid at your own event? Find out how to rent a humanoid robot with our own operators.

Category

tipy

Tags

  • trade fair robot
  • exhibition stand
  • humanoid robot
  • Unitree G1
  • Unitree H2
  • event marketing

About ROBOTio

ROBOTio helps companies rent, demonstrate and integrate humanoid robots: Unitree G1 and H2 for events, trade fairs, conferences and marketing campaigns — always with our own operators.