At China’s Spring Festival Gala, humanoid robots performed martial arts routines, including synchronized kung fu moves and nunchuck sequences, in a televised event that showed the country’s progress in robotics.
A continuation of earlier robotics showcases
Before this performance, TechGrid reported that China used humanoid robots during Lunar New Year celebrations, as companies began using the broadcast to show new technologies. The latest segment continues this trend, with robots performing more complex and demanding routines.
Martial arts routines take center stage
NBC News reported that humanoid robots played a major role in the 2026 Spring Festival Gala, a popular TV event that highlights culture and technology. The robots took part in choreographed performances to show their coordination and mobility.
Interesting Engineering noted that a standout segment featured robots performing kung-fu-inspired moves, including routines with nunchucks and coordinated actions that required balance and timing.
Multiple robotics companies used the gala to present their latest machines, with performances including dance, martial arts, and synchronized movements to demonstrate the capabilities of modern humanoid systems.
‘Drunken kung fu’-style choreography
Portion of the performance that drew inspiration from “drunken boxing,” a traditional martial arts style characterized by off-balance motions and sudden recovery movements. The robots executed routines involving nunchuck handling and coordinated steps during the choreographed show.
This segment showed how robotics demonstrations at the gala have changed from simple dance routines to more dynamic performances that display better control and coordination.
From novelty act to national showcase
CBC News reported that humanoid robots have become a bigger part of the Spring Festival Gala, moving from simple appearances to more complex performances that show advances in movement and programming.
The gala’s massive audience makes it a prominent stage for China to showcase technological advancements to the public, with robotics now regularly featured in the event’s spectacle.
Watch the performance
You can watch the robot martial arts performance here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUmlv814aJo
The video shows humanoid robots performing synchronized kung-fu routines with nunchucks, reflecting how the annual celebration showcases developments in robotics alongside traditional entertainment.
