Humanoid Robots Shine at Spring Festival Gala Showcasing China Tech

Humanoid robots captivated viewers at the 2026 Spring Festival Gala, illustrating the advancement of technology in entertainment and generating significant interest in robotics among consumers.

The remarkable performances by these robots garnered attention from global media, with video clips rapidly circulating on social platforms. Notably, Reuters highlighted the participation of four companies, emphasizing China's aggressive industrial policies aimed at leading the field of humanoid robotics and reshaping the manufacturing landscape.

Elon Musk noted in a report that he anticipates strong competition from Chinese firms as he pivots Tesla's direction toward embodied AI, particularly with its humanoid robot, Optimus. This underscores the competitive edge China is establishing in this technological domain.

The Gala showcased humanoid robots from four leading companies: Unitree Robotics, Noetix, MagicLab, and Galbot. The exciting performances included acrobatics and synchronized Kung Fu stunts, drawing praise from international observers. UK media outlet The Sun described the act as breathtaking, showing the robots' impressive agility and artistry.

AP News referred to the robotic performances as among the highlights of the event, illustrating China's commitment to developing more advanced robots equipped with sophisticated AI capabilities. The South China Morning Post also noted that these performances signal significant advancements in humanoid technology in China, with entertainment serving as the primary application of these robots for the time being.

Social media saw a flurry of activity as users reacted enthusiastically to video clips of the gala's performances. Comments reflected amazement over the robots' capabilities, such as tool usage and precise movements, suggesting a monumental leap in robotic technology since previous events.

Yu Lei, the chief director of the Gala, emphasized that the increased presence of robots this year aimed to depict the multifaceted development of China’s robotics industry. The extraordinary performances prompted a surge in consumer interest; within minutes of the Gala's live broadcast on Chinese New Year's Eve, robots featured in the show appeared for sale on JD.com and sold out rapidly.

Notably, MagicLab's humanoid robot, MagicBot Gen1, opened the Gala, marking a debut with a stunning wave to the audience. Other remarkable acts included a comedy skit featuring a bionic robot extension of actress Cai Ming, demonstrating advancements in miniaturization and expression through intricate facial motor mechanisms.

Unitree Robotics presented 'WuBot,' which executed a series of high-difficulty maneuvers showcasing improved motion capabilities since the previous year's performances. The final act featured a spectacular song-and-dance routine with multiple humanoid robots, displaying perfectly synchronized movements.

Experts pointed out that the significant improvement in bot capabilities and diversity of performances at this year's Gala signify not just technological advancement but a maturation of the robotics industry as it begins transitioning from experimental showcases to real-world applications across various sectors.

This evolving landscape reflects a broader trend in the commercialization of robotic technologies, underlined by increased investments and movement within capital markets. Companies like Unitree and others are moving toward initial public offerings, indicating strong growth potential fueled by China's strategic focus on technological development and innovation.

Embodied intelligence has been prioritized in national policy discussions, with its inclusion in the 2025 Government Work Report and recommendations from the Central Committee for the future Five-Year Plan, illustrating the government's commitment to advancing AI and robotics.