China Humanoid Robots Shine at CCTV Spring Gala

China humanoid robots took center stage at the CCTV Spring Festival Gala, showcasing AI innovation, advanced manufacturing, and Beijing’s robotics ambitions

China’s most-watched television event, the annual CCTV Spring Festival Gala, has once again doubled as a national technology showcase — this time spotlighting the country’s rapid rise in China humanoid robots and advanced manufacturing.

Broadcast to hundreds of millions during Lunar New Year, the gala is often compared to the Super Bowl in the United States for its cultural reach. This year, however, the spectacle went beyond entertainment. It became a bold statement about Beijing’s ambition to dominate the China humanoid robots sector and integrate robotics into everyday life.

Robots Take the Main Stage

Four rising startups — Unitree Robotics, Galbot, Noetix, and MagicLab — demonstrated their latest humanoid machines during prime-time sketches.

In one standout performance, more than a dozen Unitree humanoids performed intricate martial arts routines, wielding swords and nunchucks alongside child performers. The sequence included movements inspired by China’s “drunken boxing” style, requiring advanced balance control and multi-robot coordination. The demonstration highlighted how China humanoid robots are advancing in motion control and fault recovery — including the ability to stand back up after falling.

In another segment, four Noetix robots appeared in a comedy skit, while MagicLab’s machines danced in sync with human performers during the patriotic song “We Are Made in China.” Even AI made a cameo, with ByteDance’s chatbot Doubao featured prominently in the opening sketch.

From Policy to Prime Time

Technology analysts say the gala serves as a direct pipeline between industrial policy and public spectacle. Companies featured on stage often gain investor attention and government contracts. Last year, 16 Unitree humanoids stunned audiences with synchronized dance routines, and weeks later the company’s founder met President Xi Jinping at a high-profile tech symposium.

China has positioned robotics at the core of its AI+ manufacturing strategy, aiming to offset demographic pressures from an aging workforce. The government’s visible backing has fueled rapid growth in China humanoid robots, with domestic firms preparing for IPOs and expanding production capacity.

According to research firm Omdia, China accounted for roughly 90% of the world’s humanoid robot shipments last year. Morgan Stanley projects shipments could more than double this year to 28,000 units, underscoring the momentum behind China humanoid robots.

Even Elon Musk has acknowledged Chinese competition as he pivots Tesla toward embodied AI with its Optimus robot.

With national television as its launchpad, China humanoid robots are no longer just prototypes in labs — they are becoming symbols of the country’s technological future.

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