China stuns live TV with kung fu robots

China just gave the world a jaw-dropping preview of its robotics dominance during the 2026 Spring Festival Gala, where advanced humanoid machines performed high-energy Kung Fu routines alongside human martial artists.

The show, watched by hundreds of millions, featured Unitree Robotics’ bots flawlessly wielding swords and nunchucks in perfect synchronization with masters from a renowned Kung Fu school.

This spectacular display signals China’s explosive growth in the robotics industry, which now boasts over 140 domestic companies developing more than 330 different robot models.

The public response was immediate and overwhelming—online searches for robots jumped more than 300% within hours of the broadcast.

The performance wasn’t just entertainment; it was a powerful statement that China’s robotics sector has moved beyond showmanship into a new era of advanced manufacturing and AI integration, positioning the nation as a global leader in humanoid robotics technology.