Bigger than the Super Bowl — futuristic humanoid robots dominate China’s most-watched TV show and leap ahead of the Tesla Optimus
Summary
Humanoid robots captivated audiences at China's Spring Festival Gala, sparking unprecedented interest among retailers. This showcase highlights the growing fascination with robotics and their potential impact on entertainment and technology sectors.
Key Insights
What specific humanoid robots performed at the 2026 Spring Festival Gala, and what were their key demonstrations?
Four Chinese robotics companies showcased their humanoid robots: Unitree (with their H1 and H2 models), MagicLab (MagicBot Gen1 and Z1), Galbot (G1), and Noetix (Bumi). Unitree's robots performed a martial arts routine called 'WuBot' alongside kung fu students, demonstrating parkour, consecutive single-leg backflips, high-difficulty jumps, stick fighting, and drunken boxing. MagicLab's robots performed rhythmic dancing with celebrity Jerry Yan. Galbot's G1 interacted with actor Shen Teng by passing a water bottle. Noetix's Bumi appeared in a family-themed comedy sketch. The performances represented a significant advancement from the previous year, when robots required human assistance to exit the stage.
How has the Spring Festival Gala appearance impacted consumer demand for these humanoid robots?
Consumer interest in humanoid robots surged dramatically following the gala performance. On JD.com, delivery dates for Galbot's G1 humanoid were pushed back to early March, with tens of thousands of users visiting the product page within three days. Noetix's Bumi, priced below 10,000 yuan and billed as the world's first 'high-performance' humanoid at that price point, saw thousands of units added to shopping carts, with delivery dates extended from March 1 to late April. The four robotics companies reportedly invested around 100 million yuan (US$14 million) in partnerships for the gala appearance, reflecting the significant marketing value of the platform.
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