The martial arts performance "WuBot" at the 2026 Spring Festival Gala. Photo: Screenshot from CCTV 2026 Spring Festival Gala

　　The dazzling performances by humanoid robots at China"s 2026 Spring Festival Gala made headlines on multiple overseas media outlets, and their video clips flooded social media platforms within hours.

　　Reuters noted that the four companies showcasing their products at the Gala demonstrated the China"s cutting-edge industrial policy and push to dominate humanoid robots and the future of manufacturing.

　　The report also mentioned that Elon Musk said he expects his biggest competitor to be Chinese companies as he pivots Tesla toward a focus on embodied AI and its flagship humanoid Optimus.

　　Humanoid robots from four Chinese companies - Unitree Robotics, Noetix, MagicLab, and Galbot - participated in the performances on Monday night.

　　The UK media outlet The Sun posted a video of the Gala"s robot performances on YouTube, describing them as "incredible acrobatics and synchronized Kung Fu stunts." A YouTube user "@johnwe4431" commented, "Couldn"t believe my eyes, [the performance] truly shocking." Another user, "@C.Zacarias-Main," commented, "It"s fascinating to see robots learn Chinese traditional martial arts. The freedom of movement of these robots is outstanding."

　　An AP News report called robots performance "one of the highlights" of the 2026 Spring Festival Gala, noting that it reflects China"s push to develop more advanced robots powered by improved AI capabilities.

　　A report by the South China Morning Post said the performances showcased the progress made by humanoid technology in China thus far, with entertainment still the main outlet before these robots realize their longer-term potential as efficient industrial workers.