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What was once considered science fiction just over a decade ago is now a reality. In 2011, Shawn Levy’s movie Real Steel depicted a future with boxing matches featuring machines. Fast forward 14 years, and that concept has come to life. On Sunday, China hosted the world’s first humanoid robot kickboxing competition.
The event took place in Hangzhou in Eastern China as part of the CMG World Robot Contest Series. China Media Group, the country’s largest state-owned audiovisual conglomerate, organized it. The competition was broadcast live on the TV channel CCTV and other official platforms.
According to the Chinese TV broadcaster, four G1 robots, manufactured by Asian company Unitree Robotics, competed in the ring. They engaged in one-on-one duels, showcasing not only brute strength but also agility, coordination, and balance.
From testing to combat. Each robot had its moment to warm up before the official bouts. The G1s showcased their skills, demonstrating lateral movements, direct strikes, and the ability to respond to thrusts. During the matches, they even managed to perform a kip-up–an acrobatic move that allows them to get back on their feet without using their hands–after being knocked down.
The rules were straightforward: three rounds lasting two minutes each. Scoring was based on valid hits to the trunk or head, delivered with either hands or feet. Penalties were enforced if a robot failed to rise within eight seconds after a fall. In case of a tie, the technical score would determine the winner. In the end, the title went to the robot controlled by tech influencer Lu Xin.
This competition followed another highly publicized event. Several humanoid robots ran a half marathon in Beijing alongside thousands of human participants.
The G1 robot. According to Unitree, each robot is 4 feet 3 inches high and weighs 77 pounds. Featuring a cable-free design, it boasts up to 23 degrees of freedom. These expand to 43 in the robot’s educational version. The G1 robot also has advanced sensors for vision, motion, and environmental awareness.
Here are some of its key features:
- Intel RealSense D435i depth camera and 3D LiDAR sensor
- Four noise-canceling microphones and 5W stereo speakers
- Permanent magnet synchronous motors with a maximum torque of 120 N·m
- 9,000 mAh battery, with a battery life of around two hours
- Maximum travel speed of up to 2 m/s
- Eight-core CPU, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity
- Option to add the Dex3-1 hand, which has seven degrees of freedom and optional touch sensors
More than just a show. According to the CCTV images, the G1 robots are equipped with at least eight basic fighting patterns and a variety of complex combinations, including straight punches, hooks, and kicks. They’re also designed to withstand impacts, avoid overheating, and maintain balance even after being hit. If they fall, they can regain an upright position within seconds.
China is preparing new humanoid robot competitions this year, including a multi-sport event in Beijing. Meanwhile, other robotics companies in the country aim to establish a presence in homes. Huawei and UBTech have recently partnered to advance the development of similar automatons.
Images | CCTV | Unitree
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