Unitree Robotics Breaks Ground with First Humanoid Robot Battle in China

On May 25, a combat tournament in Muay Thai style featuring humanoid G1 robots from Unitree Robotics took place in Hangzhou, China.

During the event titled Unitree Iron Fist King: Awakening, four robots competed in a knockout format. They were remotely controlled but had pre-programmed behavior patterns including punches, kicks, and evasive maneuvers.

The robots were equipped with LiDAR sensors and depth cameras, showcasing their striking abilities, combinations, and balance maintenance. Engineer teams managed the robots via controllers or voice commands. The rules required that robots get back on their feet within eight seconds after being knocked down; failing to do so resulted in a loss.

The rise of robotic sports seems inevitable. At NRN, we are putting our technology to the test. If there was any doubt, the recent Unitree Iron Fist King: Awakening event should settle the discussions.

Organized by the China Media Group (CMG) in collaboration with @UnitreeRobotics, the event was broadcasted on Chinese television, reminiscent of scenes from the film “Real Steel.”

Another match, incorporating lessons from the first battles, is scheduled for December 2025.

Training for the bouts apparently began earlier, with a video last May showing a “charge” from the Unitree H1 robot towards engineers. It turned out that the robot was experiencing a fall and was attempting to stabilize itself.

In March 2024, the Unitree H1 android became the first robot to successfully perform a backflip from a standing position.

In April, a humanoid robot participated in the Beijing half marathon, running alongside humans for the first time over a distance of 21 kilometers.

Another Chinese firm, UBTech Robotics, plans to unveil a humanoid robot priced at $20,000 in 2025, aiming to assist in domestic tasks beyond factory settings.

These androids are designed to serve as companions, particularly for elderly care.

UBTech’s brand director, Michael Tam, emphasized that this will not be a universal robot capable of a wide range of tasks, noting that the technology is not yet ready for such versatile assistance.

Previously focused on industrial clients, UBTech now shifts its target to the consumer market, competing with Tesla and other companies.

It’s worth mentioning that earlier in March, UBTech Robotics introduced a humanoid robot priced at 299,000 yuan ($41,200).

Meanwhile, the production of Tesla’s Optimus robots has been disrupted by export restrictions on rare earth metals imposed by Beijing amidst escalating trade tensions with Washington.