Robotics have come a long way, stepping into realms we never imagined, such as combat. The China Media Group World Robot Competition Mecha Fighting Series kicked off on May 25 in Hangzhou, featuring the Unitree Robotics G1 bots. Weighing 35 kg and standing 132 cm tall, these machines engaged in a unique tournament.

“Combat fight is a difficult task for humanoid robots due to the intensive confrontation during the fight. Robots need to mind their movements and react to their opponent’s moves. All these requirements significantly challenge the robots’ algorithms, electronic parts, and speed reducers.”
Translation: Combat is tricky for robots; it tests their design and responsiveness.

Interestingly, the G1 bot is available for purchase for $16,000, likely attracting tech enthusiasts eager to engage in robotic combat simulations.

Each round of the competition consisted of three two-minute sessions, with points awarded for punches and kicks while penalties applied for falling down.

While human operators guided the bots, it remains to be seen how close we are to fully autonomous combatants. For now, this venture seems more comical than alarming, yet the rapid advancements in AI and robotics can’t help but prompt questions on future implications.