Robots Join China's New Year Celebrations On Stage and Beyond

In an exciting blend of technology and tradition, China's New Year celebrations have welcomed the participation of humanoid robots, showcasing significant advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence. These intelligent machines have not only attracted attention on the grand stage of the Spring Festival Gala but have also featured prominently in local cultural performances.

A notable highlight was the presence of four innovative humanoid robot startups—Unitree Robotics, Galbot, Noetix, and MagicLab—during the Spring Festival Gala on February 16. Their advanced capabilities were on full display, demonstrating how robotics has evolved into an integral part of modern cultural festivities.

Beyond the grandeur of the gala, humanoid robots participated in local arts events, exemplifying their versatility. In East China's Jiangxi Province, two robots danced alongside human performers in a dance drama set to contemporary music, thrilling audiences with their synchronization.

The robots, engineered by Shanghai EmbodyDeep Science and Technology Co., Ltd., were positioned as 'guests' in the drama, which paid tribute to Tiangong Kaiwu—a 17th-century encyclopedia on technology and industry. One audience member praised the performance, stating that the incorporation of robots highlighted the awe that technology can inspire.

Shi Zhongwei, CEO of Shanghai EmbodyDeep, emphasized that robots are evolving beyond mere industrial tools, emerging as cultural symbols and digital actors in the arts. This shift marks a significant innovation in how robots can extend their reach within creative domains.

Looking ahead, these robots are set to collaborate with the Huangmei Opera troupe in Anhui, signaling a commitment to transforming traditional performances to resonate with modern audiences while also promoting cultural heritage.

In the lead-up to the festivities, the Shandong Robotics Industry Association hosted a gala featuring over 200 robots, including robotic dogs, across 19 diverse performance programs. The audience was captivated as the robots, trained for two months in simulated environments, performed in synchrony as drummers and entertainers.

The robots participated in various acts, delivering comedic lines that engaged attendees and elicited reactions ranging from gasps of surprise to laughter. Wang Shuang, deputy general manager of Rokae (Shandong), highlighted the extensive training that prepared these robots for the stage.

Across cities, dedicated robot training facilities are propelling advancements in artificial intelligence, with programs that cover numerous categories such as automotive parts sorting and home care. This push reflects a dedicated effort to cultivate robots that can perceive and adapt to their environments similarly to humans.

With the robotics sector rapidly advancing, statistics from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology reveal that by 2025, China boasted over 140 manufacturers of humanoid robots, which released more than 330 models.

This Spring Festival season, families have begun purchasing AI robots as multifaceted companions. Jinan resident Wang Yan has acquired one to assist with pet care, help children practice English, and converse with elderly family members, reflecting a shift in perception where robots are seen as evolving companions rather than mere toys.