Small Crowd Pays to Watch a Boxing Match Between 80-Pound Chinese Robots
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by EditorDavidFebruary 15, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A recent robot boxing match organized by Rek, a San Francisco-based company, brought together hundreds of paying spectators to watch modified G1 robots compete in the ring. The event, held in Los Angeles, featured two bouts with five rounds each, showcasing the agility and strength of these advanced machines. Weighing around 80 pounds and standing at 4.5 feet tall, the robots, made by Unitree, a leading Chinese robot manufacturer, displayed human-like hands and flexible joint motors as they pranced around the cage, throwing punches and jabs while occasionally falling and requiring human intervention to continue.
The match was complete with all the elements of a traditional boxing event, including pulsing music, camera angles capturing every move, hyped-up introductions, a human referee, and commentators. The robots were controlled by humans using VR interfaces, leading to moments of both skill and humor. Notably, a 13-year-old VR pilot named Dash won against an older competitor, drawing cheers from the crowd. Despite some technical challenges—such as missed punches and awkward movements—the event highlighted the potential for robot sports to captivate audiences.
Rek plans to expand its robot boxing events, aiming to develop a league of even more advanced robots, including full-height models weighing up to 200 pounds and standing nearly six feet tall. This innovative approach to entertainment combines cutting-edge technology with competitive sports, offering a unique blend of athleticism and engineering. The event
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Originally published on Slashdot on 2/15/2026