The machines now have their own Olympic event with dance, martial arts, and music.

China hosts the first World Humanoid Robot Games, where 280 teams from 16 countries including the United States, Germany, and Japan compete in athletic events such as soccer, running, and boxing.

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The opening ceremony in Beijing on 14 August 2025 in Beijing entertained the human audiences with AI-powered humanoid robots performing vibrant street-dancing, martial arts moves, playing keyboard, guitar, and drums.

The games, which reflect China’s growing emphasis on advancing humanoid robotics, also include human performers.

The festivities were not spared by accidents: one soccer-playing robot celebrated a goal that knocked the goalkeeper over; another tumbled but rose under its own power; and one robot stumbled and had to be escorted offstage by human assistants.

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Among the competitors are teams from leading institutions like Tsinghua University and Peking University, along with robot companies and even three middle schools.

The three-day tournament concludes on Sunday, with public ticket prices ranging from 180 yuan ($80).

In the 12 months ending December 31, 2024, China deployed approximately 290,000 industrial robots, a 5% increase over the previous year. During that period, China accounted for 54% of global installations, up from 51% in 2023.

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It also produced around 556,000 industrial robot units in 2024. Last year, China maintained its status as the world’s largest industrial robot market for the 12th consecutive year. The country is also the largest vendor of robotic products.