A humanoid robot, designated ‘G1’ and developed by Unitry, China’s leading robotics firm, entered the ring sporting red headgear and gloves. The robot demonstrated martial arts techniques including straight punches,hook punches,and side kicks. Controlled remotely by four ‘human pilots’,the robot engaged in a fierce two-minute match,ultimately won by a robot piloted by an influencer.

Following last month’s humanoid half marathon in Beijing, China recently hosted the inaugural martial arts competition for robots. According to China central (CC) TV, the ‘CMG world Robot Competition’, organized by the China Central Broadcasting bureau (CMG), took place in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. Unitry participated as a key partner.

The humanoid robots exchanged blows, with one losing its balance and suffering a knockout defeat. Robots retreated into the ring ropes, and some sustained damage to thier outer shells.The competition highlighted the enthusiasm of the participants, with robots occasionally colliding due to miscalculations.

China has been actively promoting “robot sports games” to strengthen its position in the robotics market. The half marathon in Beijing, featuring 21 humanoid robots, and a planned humanoid fighting competition in Shenzhen in December, exemplify this strategy.

Debate: Promotion or Progress?

“This game is not just a fight,but a platform that shows the development of China’s AI,robotics and engineering.”

Some critics argue that these events are primarily promotional and do not accurately reflect the true potential of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI). However, others in China believe that they effectively popularize robot culture and provide an intuitive demonstration of current software and hardware capabilities.Tian Feng, former Director of Intelligent Industry Research Institute, told the Global Times that the competition showcases advancements in China’s AI, robotics, and engineering sectors.

Proponents also suggest that robot sports offer a valuable testing ground for evaluating a robot’s overall capabilities. The dynamic environment of these games requires robots to adapt their posture in real-time and anticipate their opponent’s actions, mirroring challenges encountered in industrial applications. Zhou Wood, a member of the Chinese Society of Computer society, stated that combat scenarios comprehensively assess intelligent decision-making skills, including robot structure, motion control, sensor convergence, dynamic balance, shock resistance, multi-mode perception, and adjustment.