In a breathtaking display of innovation and artistry, 16 humanoid robots from Chinese robotics company Unitree shared the stage with human dancers at the annual Spring Festival Gala on Tuesday night. The robots and dancers performed a traditional Yangko dance, a vibrant folk art from northeast China, seamlessly blending cultural heritage with cutting-edge technology.
One of the most captivating moments of the performance was when the robots manipulated handkerchiefs—a signature element of the Yangko dance—with astonishing precision. Using their mechanical arms, the robots twirled and tossed the handkerchiefs into the air, catching them flawlessly, creating a dazzling visual spectacle that symbolized the perfect fusion of tradition and modernity.
Achieving such a feat was no small task. Maintaining stable, upright positions is already a significant challenge for current humanoid robots. Tossing and catching handkerchiefs requires the integration of advanced sensors, algorithms, and smart design.
\"We've designed a very clever mechanism that integrates multiple AI control algorithms,\" a marketing representative from Unitree told CGTN. \"At the end of the robotic arm, there are two motors: one maintains a high-speed spinning motion, while the other ensures that the handkerchief can be thrown out and then retracted.\"
The 16 robots are part of Unitree's H1 series, nicknamed Fuxi. Standing at 1.8 meters tall and weighing 47 kilograms, these robots took the stage over a year after their debut in August 2023. They also participated in the NVIDIA GTC conference in 2024.
To prepare for the gala, the robots underwent three months of intensive \"rehearsal.\" Their movements were meticulously designed to meet the dance requirements and executed through AI training. Utilizing laser SLAM for precise positioning and automated formation changes, the robots overcame challenges such as gaps in the stage floor to deliver a stellar performance.
The success of this performance marks a significant milestone in robotics, highlighting how technology can enhance and preserve cultural traditions. It also showcases China's growing prowess in the field of robotics and AI, contributing to the global technological landscape.
