A new record marks the world of technology as China organized the first-ever humanoid robot kickboxing competition.
Organizers held this groundbreaking event in Hangzhou, where humanoid robots punched and kicked one another while spectators watched the unique demonstration with great interest.
The event was a part of the China Media Group, broadcast live by the state-run China Central Television (CCTV), in which G1 model robots designed by the top Chinese firm Unitree Robotics took part.
Organizers divided each bout into two segments: the first showcased robotic movements, while the second featured combat rounds lasting two to three minutes.
The robot understood the point only if it attacked the body or head of the opponent, the robots stood comfortably, trained personnel were controlling them at a distance through joysticks.
“It was not simple to instruct robots with human movements, we obtained the data of professional kickboxers’ movements, and then with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI), the robots learned them virtually,” Wang Chishan, director of Unitree Robotics, explained.
Based on experts, the competition is a train-through model of competition for China’s rapidly expanding robotics sector, which will provide young researchers and experts an avenue to train and develop new technologies.
Unitree showcased its robots dancing with human guests at the 2025 Spring Festival Gala, and in March, their G1 models stunned everyone with side flips and kick-up moves.
