Humanoid Robot Test Skills In World’s First Robot Kickboxing Competition

The world’s first robot kickboxing competition took place in Hangzhou, China, last Sunday. Four humanoid robots developed by the Chinese startup Unitree Robotics showcased their fighting skill during the event organized by China Media Group.

According to South China Morning Post, the competition was broadcast by China Central Television (CCTV), giving the robotics company an opportunity to demonstrate its robot‘s capabilities and skills in front of a live audience.

The humanoid machines—Unitree G1 models, which stand 130 centimeters tall and weigh 35 kilograms—demonstrated their coordination, stability, speed, and punching abilities. During the fight, the robots wore protective gear and were controlled by humans using voice commands and remote controls.

“The [machine’s] operation, including keeping balance and making movements, is powered by a set of algorithms,” said Liu Tai, deputy chief engineer at China Telecommunication Technology Labs and commentator at the CCTV broadcast.

The event included matches and fighting demonstrations in two-minute rounds. The robots began by warming up and then fighting in the refereed matches, keeping balance when pushed, and hitting back at their opponents.

Multiple s on social media shared their thoughts and reactions after watching the robots’ performance.  “This competition actually allows people to see how amazing the coordination and stability of this robot’s body are. Waving, punching, side kicking, leaping over after falling, light punches, and heavy hook punches,” wrote one in a comment on a video posted by The Independent on YouTube. “The coordination of this t, legs, feet, and arms is astonishing, and it can take many steps backward without falling to the ground.”

The kickboxing competition took place just a few weeks after the world’s first half marathon featuring both humans and robots, in which multiple robotics companies participated. More events featuring humanoid robots are expected later this year.

Beyond entertainment, this type of event allows tech companies to demonstrate advances in robotics and the capabilities of humanoid robots developed by the leading companies in the industry during these competitive times.