Chinese New Year celebrations are always a dazzling spectacle of tradition, color and performance. But this year’s Spring Festival concert, which was broadcast across the country, added a futuristic twist that left the audience entertained and amazed: humanoid robots performing kung fu. Yes, you read that correctly! Rows of sleek machines took center stage, moving in perfect sync, delivering punches, kicks and somersaults with the precision of a martial arts master. (Image: Reddit)
The presentation, which was presented by Unitree Robotics at the 2026 gala held by China Media Group, quickly went viral across the Internet. Videos of robots performing kung fu routines spread across social media, with viewers marveling at how seamlessly technology blends with cultural heritage. For many, the sight was surreal: the ancient art of kung fu, which symbolizes discipline and tradition, being performed by sophisticated human machines. (Image: Reddit)
Of course, part of the magic was the sheer novelty. Watching the humanoid robots bow respectfully before launching into kung fu routines was entertaining and somewhat comedic. The mechanical precision gave the performance a quirky edge, and the audience couldn’t help but cheer. It served as a reminder that festivals are about joy and surprise, and this act provided both in abundance. (Image: Reddit)
Beyond entertainment value, kung fu robots have sparked conversations about the future of performance and robotics. Could we see more cultural exhibitions where machines participate alongside humans? Could robots one day be trained to preserve traditional dances or martial arts forms? While these questions are still just speculation, the concert demonstrated that technology can be a creative partner in cultural expression. (Image: Reddit)
Internationally, the videos have drawn attention to China’s rapid progress in robotics. Commentators pointed out that although humanoid robots had appeared at exhibitions before, seeing them perform martial arts at a major cultural event was unprecedented. It was not just a display of engineering, but a statement about innovation in harmony with everyday life and celebrations. (Image: Reddit)
