[Video] How robots stole the show at China’s Spring Festival Gala

One of the biggest highlights at China’s Spring Festival Gala on Lunar New Year’s Eve was the robotics martial arts segment. Supported by AI algorithms and 3D LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), robots from Unitree Robotics executed highly dynamic and precise routines. According to the company, these included several world-firsts: a continuous table vaulting sequence, catapulted aerial flips exceeding three metres, single-leg consecutive flips followed by a two-step wall-run into a backflip, 7.5-revolution airflare rotations and rapid clustered repositioning at speeds of up to four metres per second. Their movement speed was reportedly five to ten times faster than last year. Beyond acrobatics, the robots were programmed with more than 50 classic martial arts techniques to help carry forward the legacy of Chinese culture and kung fu, said founder and CEO Wang Xingxing.

Another highlight was a bionic robot modelled on actress Cai Ming, developed by Beijing-based Noetix Robotics. Engineers first built a detailed 3D facial model of Cai Ming and captured extensive expression data. Dozens of prototypes were tested, adjusting silicone materials, skin textures and makeup techniques to closely replicate her appearance.

Performing alongside the bionic “Cai Ming” was Bumi, described as the world’s first high-performance humanoid robot priced under 10,000 RMB. Cai Ming recalled that at the start, Bumi moved as if it “wanted to pick a fight”. After constant fine-tuning — bit by bit and movement by movement — the team gradually shaped it into the steadier, “cuter” version seen in the final performance.

Public reaction was divided. Many viewers praised the rapid pace of technological advancement and looked forward to seeing robots play a greater role in daily life. Others felt uneasy about robots replacing human performers, questioning whether they belonged on a cultural stage. Some also criticised the gala for losing part of its traditional human touch, arguing that it felt increasingly commercialised.

Still, the performances reflect the scale of China’s growing robotics sector. Last year, the country produced 773,000 industrial robots, a 28%increase from the previous year and a new production record.

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