Lunar New Year 2026: Humanoid robots wield swords in kung fu gala performance

At this year’s Chinese Lunar New Year gala, humans and humanoid robots shared the stage in a striking joint performance. The Lunar New Year begins on February 17, 2026, with the gala traditionally taking place on the evening before. The event was organized by China Media Group and broadcast worldwide via CGTN and other channels.

The stage show blends traditional Chinese martial arts with advanced robotics. Humanoid robots performed alongside young kung fu performers in a carefully choreographed routine with a clear dramatic arc. It began with slow, flowing movements before gradually building in speed and intensity. At its climax, the performers incorporated classic weapons such as swords, staffs, and nunchucks, heightening the overall sense of spectacle.

Unlike some recent demonstrations, the robot choreography ran smoothly from start to finish. The humanoid machines – which appear to be the G1 model from Unitree Robotics – delivered fluid, synchronized movements, handled weapons with precision, and interacted closely with the human performers. Many users on Reddit have praised the technical execution, while more critical voices argue that the routine was likely pre-programmed or based on motion capture rather than driven by genuine autonomous decision-making. Even so, the performance remains undeniably impressive.