Service robots a big hit at expo

Shi Zhongzheng, 5, excitedly gripped his badminton racquet as he delivered a serve to his opponent - a small black robot making measured moves across a demonstration court.

As the shuttlecock descended, the machine deftly slid across the court, dexterously flicking its racquet to return the serve. "So cool!" Shi exclaimed.

The robot played tirelessly for most of the day as passers-by at the World Robotics Conference in Beijing stepped on the court to test their meddle.