Dragon of Technology: Dancing Robots Steal the Show at China’s Spring Festival Gala

At this year’s Spring Festival Gala in China, dozens of humanoid robots captivated audiences with their flawless dance moves and kung-fu stunts, showcasing the country’s technological prowess. Experts suggest that the event may also serve as a major advertisement, highlighting China’s growing strength in robotics.

The robots, designed to resemble humans, performed synchronized routines with precision that left viewers astonished. Their repertoire included intricate dance sequences, backflips, kung-fu demonstrations, and even comedic skits. Remarkably, not a single robot faltered throughout the entire performance.

This spectacle is seen as a clear demonstration of China’s advancements in robotics. The Chinese Lunar New Year will be celebrated from February 17 to March 3 this year.

Success or Just Propaganda?

The performance has raised questions about whether China’s achievements in robotics are genuine or primarily for show. Experts from the Brookings Institution argue that such grand displays are a strategic move to assert China’s technological leadership on the global stage.

The Technology Behind the Performance

According to reports, the secret behind these precise performances is “imitation learning,” a method where robots are trained to repeat a specific task multiple times until perfected. This explains why dozens of Chinese robots could perform in perfect synchrony. However, experts caution that this technique may have limited applicability in real-world industrial settings.

The Robotics Race: China vs. USA

The global robotics race between China and the United States is becoming increasingly visible. Elon Musk has already acknowledged that Tesla’s Optimus robot will face its stiffest competition from Chinese companies. By the end of 2024, China had registered over 450,000 smart robotics companies, with billions of dollars invested in the sector. While the U.S. leads in AI and software, China is making significant strides in large-scale production and hardware. Analysts predict that robot sales in China could double in 2026.