The 2025 Spring Festival Gala illuminated the global stage with a groundbreaking performance that elegantly blended China's rich traditions with cutting-edge technology. In an act titled \\"Yangge Bot\\", Unitree's humanoid robots took center stage, showcasing a mesmerizing rendition of the traditional Yangko dance—a folk dance popular in northeast China.
Audience members watched in awe as rows of sleek robots moved in perfect harmony, their synchronized steps mimicking the fluid movements of seasoned Yangko dancers. The performance reached its pinnacle when the robots deftly manipulated handkerchiefs, a classic element of the dance. With precise mechanical arm movements, they sent the colorful handkerchiefs twirling and soaring through the air, creating a dazzling visual effect that symbolized the seamless fusion of tradition and modernity.
\\"This performance is a testament to how far technology has come,\\" remarked Li Wei, a cultural critic attending the gala. \\"Seeing robots perform such a culturally significant dance bridges the gap between our heritage and the future.\\"
Unitree Robotics, a leading robotics company based in the Chinese mainland, spent months programming the robots to capture the nuances of the Yangko dance. The project involved collaboration with dance experts to ensure that the robots not only replicated the movements but also embodied the spirit of the dance.
\\"Our goal was to honor Chinese traditions while showcasing technological innovation,\\" said Wang Hao, chief engineer at Unitree Robotics. \\"We believe that technology can be a means to preserve and promote cultural heritage to new generations.\\"
The performance has sparked conversations worldwide about the role of technology in preserving cultural arts. Many saw it as an innovative approach to keep traditional practices alive in a rapidly changing world.
The Spring Festival Gala, a highly anticipated annual event during the Lunar New Year celebrations, has a long history of featuring acts that reflect China's evolving culture. This year's inclusion of \\"Yangge Bot\\" highlights a growing trend of integrating technology into the arts.
As the final notes of the music faded and the robots took their bows, the audience erupted into applause, signaling not just appreciation for the performance but also excitement for the possibilities that lie ahead when tradition meets technology.
Reference(s):
Tradition meets tech: Unitree robots dance at Spring Festival Gala
cgtn.com
