Humanoid robots in China showcase kung fu and acrobatics
TL;DR
On January 16, humanoid robots performed kung fu at the Spring Festival in Beijing.
On January 16, during the Spring Festival Gala in Beijing, humanoid robots showcased kung fu and acrobatic performances, highlighting China's advancements in robotics. The event, broadcast by CCTV, featured technologies from companies like Unitree Robotics, MagicLab, Noetix, and Galbot.
Unitree Robotics' H1 robots stood out with the martial performance WuBot, executing jumps and spins inspired by traditional kung fu. These movements were made possible by updates to algorithms and hardware, surpassing past performances that were merely folk choreographies.
Additionally, MagicLab showcased the MagicBot Gen1 and Z1, capable of performing complex maneuvers, while Noetix displayed a humanoid with detailed facial expressions. Galbot demonstrated small object manipulation with its AstraBrain model, showcasing potential beyond visual impact.
The festival, recognized as a cultural heritage by UNESCO, has been the most-watched TV program globally since 1983. This year, the presence of robots reflects China's strategic plan to incorporate advanced intelligence by 2030, attracting attention from global investors.
The demonstration at the festival indicates that 2026 may mark the beginning of practical applications of these robots in daily life, showing that China is at the forefront of the technological race for humanoids.
Content selected and edited with AI assistance. Original sources referenced above.
