Punches, Kicks, and AI-Powered Moves
In a futuristic showcase of robotics and martial arts, China hosted its first-ever humanoid robot kickboxing tournament on May 25, 2025, in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province.
The event was part of the China Media Group (CMG) World Robot Competition – Mecha Fighting Series, and featured four Unitree G1 robots battling it out in the ring.
G1 Models Designed by Unitree Robotics
The G1 models, each weighing 35 kilograms and standing 132 centimeters tall, were designed by Unitree Robotics, a Hangzhou-based technology company.
Though the robots appeared to fight independently, they were actually operated by human trainers using remote controls (joysticks) and voice commands.
How the Tournament Worked
According to Asia Times, the competition was structured in two parts.
In the first segment, robots performed a variety of martial arts actions, while the second half of the event features a kickboxing match structured into three rounds, each lasting two minutes.
Scoring:
- One point was awarded for a punch to the opponent’s head or body.
- Three points were given for a successful kick.
- Five points were deducted if a robot fell.
- A robot that couldn’t recover to its feet within eight seconds loses ten points, bringing the round to an end.
Footage broadcast on Chinese Central Television (CCTV10) showed robots punching, kicking, and even doing uppercuts, though their movements were sometimes shaky and fell backwards multiple times.
Powered by AI and Human Athletes’ Movements
Unitree Robotics director Wang Qixin explained that the robots were trained using artificial intelligence.
The team began by collecting motion data from professional kickboxing athletes, which allowed the robots to learn those movements virtually before executing them in the real world.
A Human-Guided Champion Emerges
Out of the four robots in the tournament, the one controlled by Chinese tech influencer Lu Xin emerged as the winner, according to Dexerto.
As robotics continues to advance, the tournament offered a unique and eye-catching blend of martial arts and modern technology, a glimpse into what the future of robot competitions might look like.
This also probably won’t be the last time we see robots fighting in the ring.
Watch the video here:
@geekbitesg What happens when you mix MMA and AI? 👊👊 ai automation tech geekbite geekbitesg
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