Robots Steal the Show at Spring Gala

In one of the most astonishing moments of the 2026 Spring Festival Gala, humanoid robots from Unitree Robotics delivered a live martial arts performance that left an estimated 1.4 billion viewers stunned.

Broadcast during China’s most-watched annual television event, the robots executed a synchronized “Drunken Fist” routine—a traditional and highly expressive martial arts form known for its fluid, unpredictable movements. What made the performance extraordinary was not just the choreography, but the precision, balance, and real-time coordination displayed by the machines.

The humanoids moved with remarkable agility, shifting weight, spinning, and striking poses with near-human grace. Powered by advanced AI control systems, dynamic motion planning, and real-time sensor feedback, the robots demonstrated how far robotics has evolved from rigid automation to adaptive physical intelligence.

Social media quickly erupted with clips of the performance, with many viewers describing the scenes as “unreal” and “a glimpse of the future.” Analysts noted that such public demonstrations signal a turning point—where humanoid robots are transitioning from industrial tools to cultural participants.

Beyond spectacle, the showcase highlights the rapid progress of embodied AI. If robots can master martial arts on live television, their applications in logistics, healthcare, and disaster response may be closer than we think.