In China, humanoid robots are stepping into the spotlight as entertainers during the Lunar New Year, demonstrating their skills to both the general public and potential investors.
Shanghai-based start-up Agibot live-streamed a nearly hour-long variety show on Sunday, featuring robots performing acrobatics, dance routines, magic, comedy sketches, and lip-syncing ballads. Some robots even joined the audience, waving to viewers.
The event drew an estimated 1.4 million viewers on Douyin, China’s TikTok-like platform, and was streamed across RedNote, Sina Weibo, TikTok, and Douyin, with Chinese-language networks HTTV and iCiTi TV also broadcasting the show.
Agibot described the gala as the “world’s first robot-powered variety show.”
Robotics Startups Gain Spotlight
This performance arrives just ahead of China’s state television Spring Festival gala, a key event where humanoid robot makers showcase their advancements.
In 2025, a squad of 16 Unitree robots performed alongside human dancers at China Central Television’s gala, earning widespread praise.
Following the event, Unitree’s founder was invited to a high-profile symposium chaired by President Xi Jinping, highlighting the government’s interest in the sector.
This year, four humanoid robot start-ups Unitree, Galbot, Noetix, and MagicLab will participate in the CCTV gala. Agibot chose to focus on research and development instead of appearing on state television, according to the Securities Times.
Robots as a Growing Industry
Agibot claims its humanoid robots are versatile, designed for entertainment, education, and industrial applications. The company is preparing for a Hong Kong initial public offering.
The gala demonstrates China’s growing push into robotics and artificial intelligence, with humanoid robots taking on increasingly complex tasks and entertaining large audiences.
Observers suggest such displays could accelerate human-computer interaction, with robots gaining a sense of humour and understanding of cultural events.
Elon Musk, who has pivoted Tesla towards AI and the Optimus humanoid robot, has recognised Chinese robotics firms as the main competitive threat, while also using promotional stunts in 2024 to showcase Optimus.
(with inputs from Reuters)
