In a stunning display of innovation, 16 humanoid robots from Chinese robotics company, Unitree, took center stage at the annual Spring Festival Gala on Tuesday night. The robots seamlessly coordinated with 16 human dancers to perform a traditional Yangko dance, a vibrant folk art form from northeast China, blending cultural heritage with cutting-edge technology.
One of the most captivating moments came when the robots showcased their ability to manipulate handkerchiefs, a signature element of Yangko dance. With precise mechanical arm movements, the robots sent the handkerchiefs twirling and soaring through the air, creating a dazzling visual spectacle that symbolized the perfect fusion of tradition and modernity.
To maintain the stable upright standing position is already a challenge for current humanoid robots – consider the shaky steps and tendency to roll off even a small incline of Elon Musk’s Optimus. To toss a handkerchief and catch it back in place requires the integration of sensors, algorithm and smart design.
“We’ve designed a very clever mechanism that integrates multiple AI control algorithms. At the end of the robotic arm, there are two motors: one maintains a high-speed spinning motion, while the other ensures that the handkerchief can be thrown out and then retracted,” Unitree’s marketing representative told CGTN.
The 16 humanoid robots belong to Unitree’s H1 series, nicknamed Fuxi. Standing at 1.8 meters tall and weighing 47 kilograms, the robots took the stage at the Spring Festival Gala stage over a year after debuting in August 2023. They had also attended the NVIDIA GTC conference in 2024.
To ensure a stellar performance, the robots underwent three months of intensive “rehearsal,” with their movements designed to meet the dance requirements and executed through AI training. They utilized laser SLAM for precise positioning and automated formation changes, overcoming challenges such as gaps in the stage floor.
Unitree completed the first commercial delivery of the H1 series in October 2023, with each robot priced at around 650,000 yuan (around $90,000). In May 2024, Unitree introduced the G1 series, standing at 1.27 meters tall and weighing approximately 35 kilograms, with a starting price of 99,000 yuan.
However, this is not the first time that Unitree’s robots have graced the Spring Festival Gala stage. In 2021, Unitree’s quadruped robots appeared as dance partners for Andy Lau.