A gray robot with a strange shape attracts the attention of insiders from the robotics industry.

It is able to write calligraphy with a brush and is one of the star exhibits at the three-day China National Robotics Development Forum 2016 in Chongqing, a major platform for Chinese robot makers to showcase their competitiveness.

Liang Jinlong, sales manager of the Beijing Up-tech Harmony Co, which designs and makes the machine, said the company mainly builds robots to be used for educational purposes in schools and universities. It also provides other services, such as customized robots.