For the first time, human-shaped robots stepped into the boxing ring during a historic match on Sunday in Hangzhou, eastern China. This event, part of the World Robot Competition—Mecha Fighting Series, represents a significant advancement in the fusion of robotics and entertainment.
Organized by China Media Group, the event included a combination of competitive bouts and live demonstrations. Some robots operated autonomously, while others were controlled remotely by human teams. The matches were broadcast live, featuring robots developed by leading Chinese companies.
The Unitree G1 showcases impressive agility and balance. As a key partner in the competition, Unitree Robotics, a prominent name in the field, highlighted its humanoid robot, the Unitree G1. Standing at 1.32 meters (4.3 feet) tall and weighing 35 kilograms (77.16 pounds), the G1 exhibited rapid movements and excellent stability. It participated in both individual and group boxing matches, effectively demonstrating punches, kicks, and the ability to recover from falls.
Chen Xiyun from Unitree Robotics explained that operators collaborated closely with their robots to react to opponents in real time. “The robots engage in a human-machine collaborative manner,” Chen told Global Times. The robots executed straight punches, hook punches, sidekicks, and even aerial spin kicks. If they fell, they would get back up and continue fighting.
Before entering the ring, the robots underwent testing to demonstrate their readiness. Gao Yuan, an event coordinator, mentioned that these trials were used to fine-tune the rules and ensure safety. He emphasized that each robot needed to maintain balance and move with precision.
Experts Recognize Broader Potential Beyond Entertainment
Experts believe that the fast-paced environment offers more than mere entertainment; it acts as a testing ground for enhancing robot movement and control. Tian Feng, the former head of SenseTime’s Intelligence Industry Research Institute, emphasized that these matches extend beyond sports. They provide a valuable opportunity to evaluate how robots perform under pressure and how swiftly they can adapt.
Tian also pointed out that combat sports challenge the boundaries of robot design. The competitions demand comprehensive body movement, rapid responses, and robust upper-body control. Additionally, judges consider not just the power of the robots but also their learning capabilities and adaptability.
The next full-size tournament is set to take place in December in Shenzhen, where interest is on the rise. Organized by EngineAI, a Shenzhen-based company, the event will showcase full-sized humanoid robots. The organizers aim to highlight the latest innovations in AI and robotics while promoting the wider adoption of smart machines.
Companies such as Unitree, AgiBot, EngineAI, and Booster Robotics are already working on the next generation of humanoid robots. These advanced machines are anticipated to have applications not only in entertainment but also in residential and workplace settings.
