Chinese robot makers showcase humanoids ahead of Lunar New Year

Chinese robotics firms are using humanoid robots in live-streamed performances ahead of the Lunar New Year gala, and Agibot’s variety show drew about 1.4 million viewers on Douyin.

Humanoid robots from Chinese firms are being presented as part of Lunar New Year entertainment and promotional activities. Shanghai-based Agibot live-streamed an almost hour-long variety show of robots dancing, doing acrobatics, performing magic and lip-syncing, which drew an estimated 1.4 million viewers on Douyin. The streamed show ran a week before the state broadcaster’s Spring Festival gala, an event where robot makers have also showcased their machines. The article notes that Unitree, Galbot, Noetix and MagicLab are set to participate in this year’s CCTV gala. Key facts: - Agibot employed over 200 robots for its live-streamed gala and said the event was distributed on platforms including Douyin, TikTok, RedNote and Sina Weibo, and on Chinese-language TV channels HTTV and iCiTi TV. - Agibot described the performance as a robot-powered gala and reported about 1.4 million viewers on Douyin for the stream. - Unitree previously sent 16 full-size humanoids to perform at China Central Television’s 2025 gala, and its founder was invited to a symposium chaired by President Xi Jinping. - State-run Securities Times reported Agibot declined participation in this year’s CCTV gala to concentrate spending on research and development, and Reuters has reported Agibot plans an initial public offering in Hong Kong. - Agibot demonstrated two robots to President Xi during a visit in April of the previous year. - The article notes Elon Musk has said the only competitive threat he faces in robotics is from Chinese firms. Summary: Chinese robot makers are using festival programming to show humanoid capabilities to broad public audiences as well as to potential customers, investors and officials. Several companies are scheduled for the CCTV Spring Festival gala, and reporting indicates Agibot is preparing for a Hong Kong IPO while choosing to focus internal spending on research and development.