China's AI-Powered Humanoids Enter the Ring in First-Ever Robot Combat Match

In a display of man-machine collaboration, four AI-enhanced humanoid robots battled it out in China's inaugural robot fighting tournament.

Hosted as part of the World Robot Competition Mecha Fighting Series, the event featured human-controlled robots—each designed by Chinese robotics firm Unitree—competing in three two-minute kickboxing rounds.

Winners were determined by a points system that rewarded precision and penalised missteps.

Unitree team member Chen Xiyun explained that the matches operated on a human-machine hybrid model: while the robots were pre-programmed with fighting techniques, human operators ultimately dictated their in-ring actions.

Weighing 35kg and standing 132cm tall, the robots underwent pre-match demonstrations showcasing their ability to execute varied punches and kicks, helping organisers fine-tune the competition rules.

Scoring was based on strike quality and control.

Head punches earned one point, head kicks three, while knockdowns incurred penalties—five points deducted for a fall, and ten if a robot remained down for more than eight seconds.

The team with the highest score advanced to the next match, blending athleticism and algorithm in a futuristic twist on combat sports.

Robots Learn to Fight with Help from AI and Motion Capture

During a live broadcast on state-run CCTV, Unitree Robotics Director Wang Qixin explained that the company used AI technology to train its robots through machine learning.

He said:

“First of all, the motion capture will be based on some professional fighting athletes. Based on their motion capture data, the robot will learn these movements in the virtual world.”

The event showcased the bots' ability to adapt and execute combat techniques with increasing precision.

In an early match, a robot in pink headgear faced off against a black-clad opponent.

After a chaotic exchange of imprecise punches and kicks, the black robot stumbled and fell while attempting a kick.

However, it rebounded in the third round, landing a successful front kick that floored its pink rival.

A second knockdown followed, with the black robot pinning the pink one to secure victory.

Both the pink and red-geared robots were eliminated, setting the stage for a final showdown between the black and green bots.

In a closely contested match, the black robot outscored its opponent to take the championship title.

Looking ahead, organisers announced plans for another event—this time featuring full-sized humanoid robots—scheduled for December in Guangdong Province, signalling the rapid evolution of competitive AI-powered robotics.