Unitree announces robot boxing event – early test matches now available
Be it boxing, wrestling or mixed martial arts, combat sports have long captivated audiences with their raw spectacle. In the future, though, people might not need to step into the ring themselves for fans to enjoy the thrill of a good fight. On April 10, robot manufacturer Unitree Robotics took to X to announce Unitree Iron Fist King: Awakening – a robot boxing event set to take place in about a month, with two humanoid robots squaring off in the ring.
The X post also features a video showing test matches, first with the Unitree G1 sparring against a human boxer, then facing off against another G1. The movements are still a long way from the smooth, reactive style of professional fighters – slow responses, balance issues and limited dodging abilities are clearly noticeable. In a real bout against a human, the robots likely wouldn’t stand a chance. Still, a match between two of their kind might make for a surprisingly entertaining showdown.
Date and robot model still unclear
The exact date of the robotic boxing event hasn’t been confirmed yet, but according to Unitree, it’s expected to take place in about a month and will be streamed live. The company hasn’t officially disclosed which models will enter the ring, though the video hints at the use of the G1 – a 4.3-foot-tall robot that has previously shown off its kung fu skills. However, there’s some uncertainty around the footage, as the kung fu sequences appear noticeably smoother than the G1’s boxing movements, raising the question of whether the clips may have been digitally enhanced.
Alternatively, Unitree’s more advanced H1 model could also enter the ring. Standing around 5 feet 11 inches tall, with greater computing power and smoother motion control, it’s considered the company’s flagship robot. Both the H1 and G1 are built on a sophisticated motion capture dataset called LAFAN1, which replicates human movement – including joint angles, end positions and speed constraints. This allows the robots to pull off athletic maneuvers like spin kicks and precise blocks.
Source(s)
Unitree via X (formerly Twitter)
