The semiannual Canton Fair, the biggest trade expo in China, opened Tuesday in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province. Organizers touted that the event had, for the first time, set aside a dedicated space for service robots. Photo: VCG

Foreign buyers try out a virtual reality racing game Tuesday while sitting inside a car on display at the fair. Photo: VCG

A robotic dog draws a crowd of onlookers at the service robot area. Photo: VCG

Established in 1957 in the southern metropolis of Guangzhou, the Canton Fair is considered a barometer for the country’s foreign trade. The event typically attracts buyers from more than 200 countries and regions. Photo: VCG

Onlookers take photos of two patrol robots on display. “Advanced manufacturing” was one of the fair’s featured themes this year. Photo: VCG

Visitors check out a robotic coffee-maker powered by artificial intelligence. The first phase of the Canton Fair is set to run until Saturday, with another two phases scheduled for the following weeks. Photo: VCG