Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — China has made history by hosting the world’s first humanoid robot boxing match, a high-tech spectacle that fused artificial intelligence with competitive sport. The CMG World Robot Competition – Mecha Fighting Series officially kicked off Sunday, May 25, in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province.
Broadcast live, the event featured combat-ready humanoid robots squaring off in a tournament-style showdown. Far from a show, the competition marked a milestone in AI-human integration within sports, spotlighting China’s fast-evolving robotics industry.
These robots, equipped with advanced fighting skills and homegrown AI technology, fought with movements mimicking professional boxers from throwing jabs, hooks, side kicks, and even spinning aerial strikes. According to organizers, every robot in the ring was powered by Chinese-made tech, offering a glimpse into the country’s strategic ambition to lead in next-gen robotics.
Read Also:
China Hosts World’s First Humanoid Robot Half Marathon in Beijing
During the competition, the four robots participants amazed spectators with its fluid movements, high-level computing capabilities, and ability to recover after being knocked down. One standout was the Unitree G1, the Unitree Robotics’ flagship humanoid robot standing 1.32 meters tall and weighing 35 kilograms.
The event featured both live matches and skill demonstrations, with the robot showcasing combat ability as its controlled by human live in the arena. Four human-operated teams controlled their robots in real-time tournament bouts, showcasing seamless collaboration between man and machine.
“These robots fight in human-machine collaboration. From punches to kicks, their smooth, precise motions are truly remarkable,” said Chen Xiyun from Unitree Robotics’ marketing team, speaking to Global Times.
Beyond head-to-head duels, the competition also included group showcases where multiple robots displayed coordinated combat techniques. Experts say such high-pressure environments push the boundaries of motion control, structural engineering, and AI decision-making.
Industry experts view the robot boxing match as a potential catalyst for innovation across robotics, boosting talent development and establishing a “train-through-competition” model to fuel China’s growing robotics sector.
(Raidi/Agung)
