Humanoid robots perform advanced martial arts at Chinese New Year gala

Al JazeeraEN 2 min read 100% complete by Al Jazeera StaffFebruary 17, 2026 at 11:50 PM

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During China's Lunar New Year gala on February 17, 2026, humanoid robots showcased advanced martial arts performances, demonstrating China's technological advancements. The Spring Festival Gala, broadcast on CGTN, featured robots performing complex maneuvers like table-vaulting parkour, aerial flips, and backflips, a significant upgrade from the previous year's simpler routines. Several robotics firms, including Unitree, Magiclab, Galbot, and Noetix, collaborated on the show. Experts suggest that Beijing is using the performance to signal its technological capabilities to the world, particularly to the US. The display also highlights China's focus on humanoid robotics for future applications in industries facing labor shortages due to population decline.

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Al Jazeera 30% South China Morning Post 40% United States 40% Galbot 50% Ramesh Srinivasan 50% Noetix ×260% Unitree ×260% CGTN ×260% Magiclab ×260% Beijing ×280% China ×490%

Keywords

humanoid robots 100% martial arts 90% china 80% technology 70% lunar new year 60% robotics 60% performance 50% artificial intelligence 50% cgtn 40% spring festival gala 40%