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During Lunar New Year festivities in China, the China Media Group (CMG) broadcasts a special program annually known as the Spring Festival Gala. Referred to as “Chunwan,” this gala features an array of performances, including musical acts, comedy sketches, and others. The program in 2026 boasted a remarkable demonstration where a team of robots executed a synchronized martial arts routine in tandem with a class of young performers from the Tagou Martial Arts School.
This performance was a remarkable exhibition of both robotic precision and human skill. The robots executed challenging maneuvers, such as backflips and somersaults, all while maintaining their balance. The children on stage were also exceptional, flawlessly following the choreographed actions put in place for them by their AI counterparts.
Nonetheless, it’s difficult not to envision the event as reminiscent of a scene from a science fiction horror story. A single misstep could result in injury. Given that these robots simply replicate the commands programmed into them, one might ponder how they would respond if an incident were to transpire during the performance. The smooth execution of the demonstration serves as a tribute to the technology and training that rendered such a cutting-edge display feasible.
Understanding How China’s Robots Execute Precision Kung Fu
Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images
The robots that took part in the martial arts exhibition at the 2026 Spring Festival Gala consisted of the G1 and H2 models made by Unitree Robotics. The G1 model can execute extensive movements, utilizing as many as 43 joint motors and Unitree’s sophisticated Unified Robot Large Model AI. Meanwhile, the H2 represents an even more sophisticated and elegant version, priced at an astonishing $29,900 for purchase.
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