Humanoid robots shared the stage with young martial arts performers at China’s 2026 Lunar New Year gala, delivering a synchronized routine that combined advanced robotics with traditional kung fu.
The annual gala, organized by China Media Group and broadcast internationally via China Global Television Network, took place on the eve of the Lunar New Year, which begins on Feb. 17, 2026. The televised event is a longstanding fixture of holiday celebrations and regularly draws a global audience.
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This year’s stage production featured humanoid robots performing alongside children trained in martial arts. The routine opened with slow, deliberate movements before building in speed and complexity. In the final segment, performers incorporated traditional weapons, including swords, staffs and nunchucks, adding to the dramatic presentation.
The humanoid machines appeared to be the G1 model developed by Unitree Robotics. They executed fluid and closely synchronized motions, manipulated props with precision and interacted directly with their human counterparts. According to the original report, the choreography “ran smoothly from start to finish,” highlighting the technical coordination achieved during the live broadcast.
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Online reaction was mixed. Some viewers praised the technical accomplishment, while others suggested the sequence may have relied on pre-programmed routines or motion capture rather than autonomous decision-making. Despite the debate, the performance stood out as a prominent example of robotics integrated into a major cultural event.
Source: CGTN