Four AI-enhanced humanoid robots, each equipped with advanced combat capabilities, competed in a kickboxing tournament hosted by China’s media outlet Global Times on May 26, 2025.

Developed by the Unitree Robotics company, the robots participated in three two-minute rounds using a points-based competition format that rewarded head punches (1 point) and head kicks (3 points), while imposing penalties for falls (5 points) and extended downtime (10 points).

According to the Global Times report, Chen Xiyun, a team member from Unitree, revealed that the robots “fight in a human-machine collaborative way,” with pre-programmed fighting techniques handled by artificial intelligence.

Unitree director Wang Qixin further explained that the AI leverages motion capture technology derived from professional fighting athletes’ movements, training the robots in virtual environments to mimic authentic combat techniques.

Each combat robot weighed 35 kilograms and stood 132 centimeters tall. Prior to the knockout rounds, the robots underwent technical demonstrations showcasing their capabilities and demonstrating system reliability.

Match Outcomes

The competition saw robots engage in approximately 30-second rounds with frequent, sometimes inaccurate, strikes. The scoring system proved decisive, with accumulated points determining victory.

After the preliminary matches, the robots with the highest cumulative scores advanced. The black robot, following a strong performance, defeated the green robot in the championship bout through strategic knockout combinations.

The technology demonstration marks a significant milestone in the development of practical applications for advanced robotics. With approximately 4.6 million people employed in China’s robotics sector (Statista), this competition highlights ongoing innovation in autonomous systems.

“First of all, the motion capture will be based on some professional fighting athletes,” noted Wang Qixin. “Based on their motion capture data, the robot will learn these movements in the virtual world.”

Looking ahead, plans are underway for an expanded format featuring larger-scale robots scheduled for December in Guangdong Province, according to reports.