pk-china-user From the dazzling stage of the Spring Festival Gala to grassroots cultural showcases, increasingly agile and multifunctional humanoid robots are gaining nationwide attention during Chinese New Year festivities.
On Feb. 16, four fast-growing humanoid robot startups — Unitree Robotics, Galbot, Noetix and MagicLab — took the spotlight at the Spring Festival Gala, showcasing their cutting-edge technologies and performance abilities.
Outside the gala, humanoid robots also featured prominently in local cultural programs. In east China’s Jiangxi Province, two robots joined a pre-New Year dance drama, moving fluidly and keeping perfect rhythm with performers to popular music tracks.
Developed by Shanghai EmbodyDeep Science and Technology Co., Ltd., the robots appeared as special “guests” in a dance production inspired by Tiangong Kaiwu, the 17th-century Chinese encyclopedia of science and industry.
“The show itself honors technological progress, and seeing robots perform alongside actors once again demonstrated how technology can inspire awe,” said audience member Hu Jingchen.
Shi Zhongwei, CEO of Shanghai EmbodyDeep, noted that robots are no longer confined to industrial use. “They can serve as digital performers and cultural icons within emerging artistic trends,” he said, emphasizing their expanding role in creative sectors. He added that the robots are expected to collaborate with Anhui’s Huangmei Opera troupe to reinterpret traditional performances, helping meet public cultural demand while preserving heritage.
Ahead of the Lunar New Year, the Shandong Robotics Industry Association organized a dedicated gala featuring more than 200 robots and robotic dogs across 19 acts, including acrobatics, martial arts, dance and short plays.
During the event, robots performed as drummers in opening segments, waved glow sticks and signs in coordination with stage cues, and even delivered comedic dialogue, drawing applause and laughter from the audience.
According to Wang Shuang, deputy general manager of Rokae (Shandong), the robots underwent two months of simulated training before appearing on stage.
Meanwhile, robot training centers across Chinese cities are rapidly advancing intelligent development. At a robot training school in Shandong, humanoid machines undergo daily instruction in 11 areas, ranging from automotive parts sorting and industrial logistics to commercial services and home care.
“Our aim is to help them sense and adapt to their surroundings much like humans do,” said Su Kairui, head of the Leju (Jinan) Humanoid Robot Data Training Center.
Fueled by breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, China’s robotics industry has progressed more quickly than anticipated, transitioning from stage spectacles to practical everyday applications.
In 2025, China was home to more than 140 humanoid robot manufacturers, which collectively introduced over 330 models, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.
This Spring Festival, AI-powered robots have also become popular holiday purchases. Wang Yan, a resident of Jinan, bought one to accompany pets, assist her children in practicing English, and chat with elderly family members.
“It’s not just a toy anymore,” she said. “It’s turning into a long-term, continuously evolving AI companion.”
