Humanoid Robot Boxing Is Here — and Optimus Should Worry

There’s just something about robots that makes people want to kick them—whether it’s for testing or just for fun. Sure, the kicking serves a technical purpose, but let’s face it, it’s the act itself that’s oddly satisfying. Still, constantly kicking and punching robots is exhausting—not to mention impractical. But it’s 2025 now, and the good news? Robots can finally kick and punch each other. Seriously, it’s happening.

Inside the World’s First Humanoid Robot Fight Tournament

Introducing the latest (and perhaps greasiest) bloodsport of the week: humanoid robot kickboxing, also known as the China Media Group World Robot Tournament. Billed by its creators as the “world’s first combat competition exclusively for humanoid robots,” it pits machines against machines in full-on melee. In one corner: Unitree’s G1 robot. In the other corner? Also a Unitree G1. Watch them kick, punch, and wobble through battle—almost like human fighters, but with a nerdier, more robotic twist.

Beyond the spectacle of robot brawls, the real aim of the event is to highlight the agility and human-like movement of Unitree’s G1 robots—and to showcase China’s progress in robotics. But honestly, from a technical standpoint, it’s not exactly groundbreaking. Sure, the kicking is fun, but we’ve seen robots perform impressive acrobatics for years. Personally, I’d be more wowed by one that can fold laundry properly. Still, maybe that’s not the point—this is more about the show than the tech. So, in the immortal words of Maximus Decimus Meridius.

Why Tesla’s Optimus Needs to Enter the Ring

The answer? Sort of. But honestly, I’d be way more entertained if there were a celebrity involved—not a human one (don’t worry, Danny Bonaduce, your fists are safe), but a robot star. Dream scenario? Bring in Tesla’s Optimus. Sure, Optimus is currently built for factory work (or so Elon Musk hopes), but can we really trust it to handle home care or transform the supply chain until we’ve seen it throw down in the ring? Personally, I trust the bot that can win a fight. Strength inspires confidence—right, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson? You’ve already got my vote.

But seriously, consider this your call to action, Mr. Musk. You might have dodged a cage match with Mark Zuckerberg, but here’s your real shot to step into the spotlight—we know you love it. If Tesla’s Optimus is truly as capable as you claim, it’s time to prove it. Let’s see what your humanoid bot can actually do. That said, to be fair, Optimus and the G1 aren’t exactly in the same weight class—G1 is kind of a lightweight. Still, that’s never stopped you from punching down before, has it?

Read the original article on: Gizmodo

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