27-05-2025
Watch as two lifesize robots swing punches at each other in the world's first humanoid robot boxing match
In a world where human boxers are at risk of dangerous injuries, we may have a glimpse of what the fight of the future could look like.
New footage shows the world's first humanoid robot boxing tournament, which took place over the weekend in Hangzhou, east China.
In the bizarre clip, two lifesize robots wearing gloves and protective headgear fight each other in a ring as a human officiator looks on.
Each fighter robot weighs about 35kg and is 4.3ft (132cm) tall – roughly the height of the average eight-year-old child.
Both the bots initially have trouble seeing exactly where their opponent is before successfully trading punches and kicks, to the delight of a baying crowd.
Commentators were generally impressed with the matchup, calling it 'adorable' 'cool' and a 'historic moment' for the robotics industry.
However, the two machines are remotely operated from the sidelines by their human developers, Robot Wars style.
One person posted online: 'This is just the start. Imagine in five years with all the crazy tech advancements.'
The 'G1' bipedal robots have been developed by Unitree Robotics, a Chinese robotics company based in Hangzhou.
Marketed for $16,000/£12,000 and remote-controlled by an employee standing nearby, G1 is 130cm (4ft 3in) tall, can carry up to 3kg (6.6lbs) and can move up to 2m/s (5mph).
G1 showcases some surprising coordination with punches and kicks, although it is capable of more refined interactions too, such as picking up and moving objects, shaking hands and waving at crowds.
'The robots fight in a human-machine collaborative way,' Chen Xiyun, a marketing team member of Unitree Robotics, told Global Times.
Chen added that the robots demonstrated straight punches, hook punches, sidekicks and aerial spin kicks, and they got up from the ground after falling.
The showdown was livestreamed on YouTube by CGTN (China Global Television Network), the English-language state-run news channel.
And if the machine look like amateur fighters now, some people remarked that in just a few years robotic fighting will come on leaps and bounds.
One said: 'They're likely remote-controlled, of course, but it still looks fun and it'll seem so primitive in just a few years!'
It isn't quite clear what the intended use of this robot is quite yet. Although it boasts a number of impressive features it is also too small to replace humans in factory work
A YouTuber said: 'Not quite ready for Primetime entertainment yet. Still a little underwhelming. Good first step- lots of potential.'
Another said: 'The fact that they chose to include kicks for the robots and they generally pull it off is impressive.'
A third said: 'Too be fair I think they should have made it fully autonomous, still impressive though.'
Sunday's historic fight was part of China Media Group World Robot Competition, which included both fighting demonstrations and matches.
The China Media Group (CMG) noted that all of the humanoid fighter bots are equipped with domestically developed technologies.
While it may seem like just a bit of fun, the the world's first humanoid robot boxing match signals the gradual integration of AI into combat sports.
In December, the world's first combat tournament with full-sized humanoid robots is set to be held in Shenzhen, Global Times adds.
As well as G1, Unitree is the creator of Go2, an intelligent robot dog that can dance, do a handstand while wiggling its legs in the air and even rush to greet its owner.
Go2 is similar to the Spot robot dog from rival Boston Dynamics, although it's been designed for consumers at a hefty price tag of $1,600 (£1,240).
Unitree and Boston Dynamics are two of the biggest rivals in the robotics industry, although the former has been more focused on commercially available consumer models at more affordable prices.
Spot, Boston Dynamics' most famous robot creation, first went on sale in 2020 and costs a whopping $75,000 (£60,000).
Compared to Unitree's Go line, Spot has been more directed at businesses, to assist employees in industries such as construction, defence, and building conservation.
In sci-fi films like Alien, humanoid robots are so lifelike that it's almost impossible to tell them from a real person.
Now, scientists in Japan are on their way to creating real-life versions of these realistic machines.
The experts from the University of Tokyo have created a robotic face out of lab-grown human skin.
Creepy video shows the bizarre pink creation attempting a cheesy smile.
According to the scientists, robots with real skin not only have an 'increasingly lifelike appearance' but could heal themselves if damaged.
