Chinese Robot Makers Showcase Humanoids for Lunar New Year
- tech360.tv
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
Chinese robot manufacturers are using humanoid robots for Lunar New Year entertainment. These companies are promoting their robots' song-and-dance skills to the public, potential customers, investors, and government officials.
Shanghai-based robotics start-up Agibot recently live-streamed an almost hour-long variety show. Its robots danced, performed acrobatics, performed magic, lip-synced ballads, and appeared in comedy sketches.
Other Agibot humanoid robots waved from an audience section during the performance. An estimated 1.4 million people watched the show on Chinese streaming platform Douyin.
Agibot called the event "the world's first robot-powered gala." Agibot's show ran a week before China's annual Spring Festival gala.
State television airs the Spring Festival gala, which is a venue for Chinese robot makers to display their success. A squad of 16 full-size humanoids from Unitree joined human dancers in performing at China Central Television's 2025 gala.
Millions of viewers offered accolades for this performance. Less than three weeks later, Unitree's founder attended a high-profile symposium.
Chinese President Xi Jinping chaired the symposium. The Hangzhou-based robotics firm has since prepared for a potential initial public offering.
This year's CCTV gala will feature four humanoid robot startups. These companies include Unitree, Galbot, Noetix, and MagicLab, according to statements from the firms and the broadcaster.
Agibot's gala used more than 200 robots. It streamed on social media platforms RedNote, Sina Weibo, TikTok, and its Chinese version Douyin.
Chinese-language television networks HTTV and iCiTi TV also broadcast the performance. Ma Hongyun, a photographer and writer, stated in a Weibo post that human-computer interaction "may come faster than we think" when robots understand Lunar New Year and humour.
Hongyun has 4.8 million followers on Weibo. Agibot stated its humanoid robots are designed for applications in education, entertainment, and factories.
The company plans an initial public offering in Hong Kong. State-run Securities Times reported Agibot opted out of the CCTV gala.
Agibot aimed to focus its spending on research and development. Agibot demonstrated two robots to Xi during a previous visit.
U.S. billionaire Elon Musk has shifted automaker Tesla toward a focus on artificial intelligence and the Optimus humanoid robot. Musk stated that the only competitive threat in robotics comes from Chinese firms.
Musk also used stunts to promote Optimus, rolling out human-directed robots as bartenders at an event in 2024.
Chinese robot manufacturers are showcasing humanoid robots for Lunar New Year entertainment, promoting their capabilities to various audiences.
Agibot live-streamed a variety show featuring its robots, which drew an estimated 1.4 million viewers on the Douyin platform.
China's annual Spring Festival gala serves as a key platform for robot firms, including Unitree, Galbot, Noetix, and MagicLab, to demonstrate their success.
Source: REUTERS