It’s not just people — in China, the robots are also getting ready to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Saturday was dress rehearsal day for four cute humanoid robots, each about three feet tall at a mall in western Beijing. Curious onlookers stopped to watch. Each robot got a colourful lion costume and within minutes the moves started: Bend the knees, up, to the left, to the right, shake the mask, and do it all again!

Ahead of the Lunar New Year celebrated next week on February 17, and as part of different ‘fairs’ and activities around Beijing, some venues have been busy setting up their stages and props. For a second year in a row, one of the fairs will be devoted to technology and — yes, again — robots will take center stage.