In a groundbreaking event, the world’s first humanoid robot boxing competition has made a significant impact on the rapidly evolving sector of robotics. Held in Hangzhou City, east China’s Zhejiang Province, the competition was part of the China Media Group (CMG) World Robot Competition Series and featured advanced G1 robots developed by Unitree, a Hangzhou-based robotics firm. These high-tech robots have demonstrated impressive movement range and have now acquired the skills to execute basic combat moves, including jabs, hooks, and kicks, as well as various combination actions.
The competition marked a notable milestone in the development of humanoid robots, as it provided a unique testing ground for technicians to optimize robot algorithms, enhance performance, and explore the potential for multiple useful functions in the future. Operators controlled the robots using voice commands and remote controls from ringside, enabling real-time human-robot collaboration during the battles. Unlike the world’s first humanoid robot half marathon, which focused on endurance and speed, the boxing competition demanded higher agility and balance from the robots as they responded to challenges in the ring.
To prepare for the event, the G1 robots underwent rigorous tests, including shock resistance and overheating prevention, to ensure they could perform complex movements under tough conditions. According to Sun Baoyan, an equipment tester for the competition, maintaining balance while executing aggressive moves and facing strong attacks from opponent robots was a key challenge. “During the fight, the robot has to execute aggressive moves while also facing strong attacks from the opponent robot. The key challenge is maintaining balance throughout the process, ensuring that it doesn’t get knocked down while attacking,” Baoyan explained.
The competition highlighted the impressive physical adaptability and prowess of the humanoid robots, but experts also emphasized the need to unlock their true potential to benefit real-world applications. Li Gaofeng, a researcher at Zhejiang University’s College of Control Science and Engineering, noted that while some of the robot’s abilities have exceeded expectations, there are still bottlenecks to overcome. “There’s still a gap between what the robots can do and what people need. The next breakthrough may come in the areas of robotic dexterity, tactile feedback, and manipulation skills,” Gaofeng said.
The CMG World Robot Competition Series will continue to feature innovative events, including robot football and basketball games, aiming to showcase cutting-edge advancements in AI and robotics through competitive and visually entertaining sports events. As the field of robotics continues to evolve, events like the humanoid robot boxing competition will play a significant role in pushing the boundaries of what is possible and driving innovation in the sector. By providing a platform for technicians to test and refine their creations, these competitions will help unlock the full potential of humanoid robots and pave the way for their integration into various aspects of our lives.
