The gala, widely considered the world’s most-watched television program, featured robots from several startups performing everything from kung fu moves to choreographed dances to elaborate gymnastics displays. The showing marked a sharp contrast from the 2025 Gala, which had featured less advanced versions of the robots twirling handkerchiefs in a wobbly folk dance. Around that time, public demonstrations of the humanoids often drew skepticism, such as a robot marathon in April that made headlines for stumbles, crashes and breakdowns.
fredag 20. februar 2026
Who’s laughing now? China’s humanoid robots go from viral stumbles to kung fu flips in one year
Chinese humanoid robots are having a moment in the spotlight after a standout performance at the country’s annual Spring Festival Gala earlier this week, with videos from the event circulating widely online.
The gala, widely considered the world’s most-watched television program, featured robots from several startups performing everything from kung fu moves to choreographed dances to elaborate gymnastics displays. The showing marked a sharp contrast from the 2025 Gala, which had featured less advanced versions of the robots twirling handkerchiefs in a wobbly folk dance. Around that time, public demonstrations of the humanoids often drew skepticism, such as a robot marathon in April that made headlines for stumbles, crashes and breakdowns.
The gala, widely considered the world’s most-watched television program, featured robots from several startups performing everything from kung fu moves to choreographed dances to elaborate gymnastics displays. The showing marked a sharp contrast from the 2025 Gala, which had featured less advanced versions of the robots twirling handkerchiefs in a wobbly folk dance. Around that time, public demonstrations of the humanoids often drew skepticism, such as a robot marathon in April that made headlines for stumbles, crashes and breakdowns.
