Overview

• Four Unitree Robotics G1 humanoids controlled by human operators competed in one-on-one kickboxing matches on May 25 in Hangzhou, with the event broadcast live by China Central Television.
• Unitree trained its G1 fighters using AI models fed professional kickboxing movement data to enable agile strikes.
• The champion robot, dubbed ‘AI Strategist,’ clinched victory after outmatching its rivals in the final bout.
• The event renewed concerns over humanoid robot safety following past incidents of erratic behavior and intensified calls for stricter protocols.
• Organizers have announced a planned December showdown in Shenzhen featuring full-sized humanoid fighters.