In a dazzling display of technological prowess, China’s top humanoid robotics startups took center stage at the annual CCTV Spring Festival Gala—the world’s most-watched television event.
Startups including Unitree Robotics, Galbot, Noetix, and MagicLab showcased their latest creations, with robots performing synchronized dances, martial arts, and even traditional Peking Opera moves. The spectacle wasn’t just for show; it signaled Beijing’s serious intent to lead the global humanoid race.
More Than Just a Dance
While robot dances are a staple of tech demos, the sheer variety and coordination on display highlighted rapid advancements in control algorithms and actuator density. Booster Robotics also made waves at a separate Beijing fair, debuting AI-powered robots playing autonomous soccer—making real-time decisions without human remote control.
“It is an AI environment,” said Ren Zixin of Booster Robotics. “Once the whistle sounds, the remote control is put aside.”
While human handlers were still on standby for the occasional stumble, the message was clear: 2026 is the year Chinese humanoids move from the lab to the limelight.