In a spectacular blend of tradition and technology, 16 humanoid robots from Chinese robotics company Unitree took the spotlight at this year’s Spring Festival Gala. The robots, standing alongside 16 human dancers, performed the vibrant Yangko dance—a beloved folk art from northeast China—captivating audiences worldwide.
The performance reached new heights when the robots showcased their ability to skillfully manipulate handkerchiefs, a signature element of the Yangko dance. With precise mechanical movements, they sent handkerchiefs twirling and soaring through the air, creating a dazzling visual display that symbolized the harmonious fusion of cultural heritage and cutting-edge innovation.
Achieving such a feat wasn’t easy. Maintaining balance is a significant challenge for humanoid robots, let alone performing intricate dance moves. Tossing and catching handkerchiefs required advanced integration of sensors, algorithms, and ingenious design.
“We’ve developed a clever mechanism that combines multiple AI control algorithms,” a marketing representative from Unitree explained. “At the end of the robotic arm, two motors work in unison: one maintains a high-speed spinning motion, while the other ensures the handkerchief can be thrown and then retracted.”
The robots, part of Unitree’s H1 series nicknamed Fuxi, stand at 1.8 meters tall and weigh 47 kilograms. Their appearance at the gala comes over a year after their debut in August 2023. The H1 robots had previously showcased their capabilities at events like the NVIDIA GTC conference in 2024.
To prepare for the gala, the robots underwent three months of intensive rehearsals. Their movements were carefully programmed to meet the dance’s requirements, executed through AI training. Utilizing laser SLAM technology for precise positioning, they seamlessly changed formations and overcame challenges like the gaps on the stage floor.
Unitree completed the first commercial delivery of the H1 series in October 2023, with each robot priced around 650,000 yuan (approximately $90,000). In May 2024, they introduced the more compact G1 series, standing at 1.27 meters tall and weighing about 35 kilograms, starting at 99,000 yuan.
This isn’t the first time Unitree’s robots have graced the Spring Festival Gala stage. Back in 2021, their quadruped robots danced alongside famed artist Andy Lau, hinting at a future where robotics and entertainment continue to intertwine.
