Technology and tradition merged at the Spring Festival Gala with a stunning performance by 16 humanoid robots from Unitree , who performed the Yangge folk dance alongside dancers from the Xinjiang Art Institute.
Directed by renowned filmmaker Zhang Yimou, these intelligent automatons, named “Fuxi” after a legendary Chinese ancestor, demonstrated astonishing dexterity in mimicking human movements with great precision.
The robots grasped and moved objects with great precision. Source: Unitree
Humans and robots dancing together
The robots, dressed in quilted jackets in the traditional style of northeastern China, moved with astonishing fluidity. Thanks to their 360° panoramic depth perception technology and artificial intelligence algorithms , they were able to adapt their movements in real time according to the music and interaction with the human dancers.
The model used at the gala was the Unitree H1 , a humanoid robot with a full-body motion control system that allows it to execute complex choreographies. High-precision 3D SLAM technology optimizes its placement on stage, allowing fluid and coordinated movements.
Reactions on social media
The show not only captivated audiences in China, but also generated a huge impact on platforms like Reddit and X. Users from all over the world highlighted the robots’ ability to spin scarves and synchronize with music .
According to the Global Times , some netizens even compared the performance of the Unitree H1 to Tesla’s Optimus robot , highlighting the agility and precision of the Chinese technology. While Optimus has been criticized for its limited mobility, Unitree’s robots have demonstrated unprecedented dexterity in the world of humanoid robotics.
This event marks a turning point in the integration of artificial intelligence and robotics in entertainment. The ability of robots to perform traditional dances opens the door to new forms of artistic expression and collaboration between humans and machines.
Perfect movements thanks to advanced technology
Recently, the robotics company took another step in improving its robots by releasing an open-source dataset for the H1, H1-2, and G1 models . Thanks to LAFAN1 motion capture technology, these humanoids can execute movements with unprecedented fluidity, allowing them to replicate complex choreographies with greater realism.
This Spring Festival Gala has left an indelible mark on the world of robotics and art. China continues to demonstrate its leadership in the fusion of technology and tradition, showing the world how artificial intelligence can be a bridge between the past and the future.
At the end of the video, the G1 robot can also be seen interacting with people and even posing for photos. Meanwhile, several Go2 quadrupeds greeted the public and performed some of their classic stunts.
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Source and photos: Unitree