The **2026 CCTV Spring Festival Gala** (China Media Group/CMG, aired February 16-17, 2026 for the Lunar New Year/Year of the Horse) was truly a spectacular showcase of humanoid robots, blending tradition and cutting-edge technology. This is a big change from its 2025 debut appearance, with robots now performing live, complex routines on the world’s most watched TV event.
**Unitri Robotics** dominated: Dozens of their compact **G1** humanoid robots performed the world’s first fully autonomous cluster kung fu performance (“Woobot” segment), featuring rapid stance shifts, synchronized formations, drunken boxing swerves, backward tumbles for stability recovery, wall flips, parkour elements (e.g., table-vaulting, 3m aerial flips, airflare spins), and weapon handling (swords, staffs, nunchucks). They safely competed against children’s kung fu performers, showcasing real-time multi-robot coordination, dynamic balance, high-speed feedback loops, and AI-driven adjustments—acclaimed industry firsts in motion limits and cluster control.
Unitri’s tall **H2** robot appeared at the main venue in Beijing and sub-venue in Yiwu, wearing Monkey King (Great Sage) armor, riding on the B2W quadruple “somersault cloud” to celebrate the New Year.
Other firms also participated: **Galbot**, **Noetics**, and **MagicLab** took part in segments such as synchronized dance (to “We’re Made in China”), comedy sketches, and additional routines. ByteDance’s **Doubao** AI seen in an opening sketch.
**Reuters** described it as a platform to advance China’s industrial policy in humanoid robotics and intelligent manufacturing. **CGTN** emphasizes the combination of heritage and innovation. Tech commentator **Evrim Kanbur** (@WhileTravelling on
The display boosted sales—Gala-featured models sold out immediately on JD.com. This marks the transition of humanoid robotics from the lab to the cultural mainstream, reflecting China’s AI ambitions.
Comments are closed.