What Happened?
The “CMG World Robot Contest · Series” took place in Hangzhou, China, featuring four humanoid robots equipped with mobility and AI control systems, all operated by humans.
The “human-robot collaboration” fighting style tests not only the hardware structure and agility of the machines but also the real-time responsiveness of remote control technology, AI decision-making modules, and algorithms.
According to data from the China Electronics Society, the market size of humanoid robots in China is expected to reach 870 billion yuan (approximately 120 billion USD) by 2030.
Robot Fighting Competition Debuts
Recently, a humanoid robot fighting competition was held in Hangzhou, China, organized by China Central Television (CMG), named “CMG World Robot Contest · Series.” Four humanoid robots with mobility and AI control systems participated.
According to foreign media reports, the competition format is similar to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), encompassing various techniques such as jabs, hooks, knee strikes, side kicks, and aerial spins, showcasing the agility and tactical performance of the robots.
The event resembles the plot of the movie “Real Steel,” where the four participating robots are all controlled by humans, competing in the ring in groups. The focus of the event was on the latest model “Unitree G1” from the well-known Chinese robot manufacturer Unitree Robotics.
The G1 stands approximately 1.32 meters tall and weighs 35 kilograms, featuring high computational performance and precise motion control, designed to adapt to complex environments that are challenging for humans. This competition also serves as a validation of its coordination, motion stability, battlefield response, and AI control capabilities.
Expanding Market for Humanoid Robots in China
The organizers stated that this competition represents a new stage in the integration of AI and combat sports. All participating robots integrated technologies independently developed in China.
A member of the Unitree marketing team pointed out that these humanoid robots can perform various actions, from jabs and hooks to aerial spinning kicks, all controlled in real-time by human operators. This “human-robot collaboration” fighting style tests not only the hardware structure and agility of the machines but also the real-time responsiveness of remote control technology, AI decision-making modules, and algorithms.
According to foreign media reports, the Chinese robotics industry is in a stage of rapid development. Data from the China Electronics Society predicts that the market size of humanoid robots in China will reach 870 billion yuan (approximately 120 billion USD) by 2030, with entertainment, education, industrial, and household robots becoming key application scenarios.
Currently, besides Unitree, companies like AgiBot, Booster Robotics, and EngineAI are also actively working on the next generation of humanoid robots.
Although the participating robots still require human control, with the continuous advancement of deep learning and perception decision-making technologies, we can expect to see more robotic fighters with autonomous learning, tactical adjustment, and real-time responsiveness capabilities in the future. Some internet users have even begun to speculate about the possibility of “robots surpassing human fighters.”
Source: Decrypt, Global Times