Since becoming acquainted with Haibao we’ve seen the little blue fella take on all manner of challenges and guises. From the national costumes of participating nations, to space suits and even a rose parade in California. Now the official mascot of World Expo 2010 Shanghai comes in a whole new form: a multi-lingual robot.

Thirty-seven of the 1.55-meter tall robots will be on hand to help visitors to Shanghai at Pudong and Hongqiao airports and the entrances to major expo locations. The robots have touch screens on their chests to answer inquiries about Expo and transport in six languages, and they can even take photos for visitors.

At an exhibition in Madrid to promote the Spain Pavilion at World Expo 2010 Shanghai a new little blue fellow was spotted: Miguelin, the pavilion’s official mascot.

An artist’s rendering of the Shanxi Province Pavilion at World Expo 2010 Shanghai which is seeking an emperor and a consort:

The search is on for two people from Shaanxi Province who most resemble Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) and his consort Yang Yuhuan. They’ll greet visitors to the Shaanxi exhibition at the World Expo.

The Emperor Xuanzong should be taller than 175 centimeters and younger than 45 years old, while Yang Yuhuan must be under 30, at least 165cm tall, and weigh at least 50kg.

The actors will stand in front of the pavilion with two robots made to resemble the emperor and his wife, officials said.

The reward for the lucky actors: 10,000 yuan (US$1,465).

via Expo 2010

Meet Fei Fei, the official mascot of the China Aviation Pavilion at World Expo 2010 Shanghai. A cooperation between AVIC and China Eastern Airlines, the pavilion will offer visitors the chance to sit in a cockpit and try to pilot a plane in a virtual-reality exhibition.

For more information please visit the official website (in Chinese).

Who would’ve thunk it! Haibao has a distinctly British accent! The marvelous Expo Online project is now available in English and is a real delight. Check it out.

In last week’s poll we asked you to nominate your favourite Expo 2010 mascot and the Belgium/EU pavilion prevailed thanks to the Smurfs who enjoy sentimental popularity in China and around the world. The little blue gang edged out our beloved little blue guy, Haibao (China), followed by Leon (France), Tai (Thailand), Peng Peng (Australia) and Durian Star (Singapore).

This week, ahead of the climate summit in Copenhagen next week, we want to know your choice for the Pavilion with the greenest credentials. We’ve pre-selected nation’s with stand-alone or self-built pavilions who are strongly promoting their green credentials.

Read the rest of this entry →

In 2010, no matter where you are or where you go, you will not be able to escape these two guys. In the blue corner we have Haibao, the official mascot of World Expo 2010 Shanghai and in the green and gold corner we have Zakumi, the official mascot of the FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

Haibao, as followers of Expo 2010 know, is quite literally everywhere. Not just in Shanghai but in airports and tourist brochures and marketing across the world. In the world of animation and cyberspace he can do just about anything. He is invincible even if he doesn’t look it. Haibao is unquestionably friendly and kids go crazy for him! Other participating countries will have mascots at Expo 2010 but none are contenders for the king of mascots in 2010.

That’s where Zakumi comes along. A cool cat with green hair and an attitude that says “I’m ready!”. His name, by the way, is portmanteau of “ZA” the abbreviation of South Africa and “kumi” which means 10 in 10 African languages.

So who’s your pick for the best mascot of 2010?

Just last week we were bemoaning the dearth of female mascots at World Expo 2010 Shanghai and at last we have someone to keep Lady Smurf company in the mascots powder room. Pippi Longstocking, a Swedish born character with legions of fans around the world has been “recruited” as one of the tour guides at the Sweden Pavilion. And that’s not all: her house Villa Villekulla will be recreated as a playground attraction for children, and she will appear in a play which has already played at Shanghai’s Zhongshan Park.