Highlights From World's First Humanoid Robot Kickboxing Tournament

China recently hosted a kickboxing tournament for humanoid robots and we've compiled all the highlights in one place.

Six Unitree G1 humanoid robots and the humans operating them fought for the top spot in what was billed as "the world's first combat competition exclusively featuring humanoid robots."

Each "fighter" was a Unitree G1 EDU model, the most advanced robot in Unitree's G1 lineup, armed with special combat training including straight punches, hooks, kicks, and knees.

Unitree G1 robots slug it out for the top spot.

Unitree Robotics

These robots can be controlled by voice command, motion-sensing or remote control. Unitree says each control method has its pros and cons. Remote controls are being used to control the robots in this competition because they have lower latency than voice commands and are easier to learn.

I got behind the controls of Unitree's G1 robot at CES and the company's Go2 Pro robot at CNET HQ. I found the remote controls very intuitive and similar in feel to the video game controllers I grew up with.

"AI Strategist" in black fought "Power Core Guardian" in green for the top prize.

Unitree Robotics

After four matches of punishing robot-on-robot carnage, including at least one spectacular knockout, the robot in black, nicknamed "AI Strategist," took home the top prize.

Check out the video in this article to see all the gnarliest highlights.