Humanoid robots' "Spring Festival Edition" eye-catching, technological evolution reflects new opportunities in the industry
On February 24th, humanoid robots performed soccer on stage. Multiple eVTOLs (electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft) independently developed by Hubei and humanoid robots made appearances at the "Provincial Conference on Accelerating the Construction of a Key Strategic Pivot for the Rise of Central China," showcasing the latest R&D achievements in Hubei's low-altitude economy and artificial intelligence industries. Xinhua News Agency reporter Xiao Yijiu photographed
At the 2026 CCTV Spring Festival Gala, humanoid robots from companies like Yusu Technology, Songyan Dynamics, Magic Atom, and Yinhe General showcased "stunt performances," reflecting technological advancements and industrial upgrading trends. Meanwhile, many companies are also targeting commercial service scenarios to further accelerate product innovation and market breakthroughs.
Compared to last year's CCTV Spring Festival Gala twist dance, this year's humanoid robots performed consecutive backflips, spinning peaches, and even sparring with human actors on stage, demonstrating further improvements in domestic robot technology.
Among them, Yusu's humanoid robots displayed extreme movements, including continuous acrobatic flips, maximum-height backflips exceeding three meters, and rapid group positioning. The robots' high-concurrency cluster control system enabled real-time synchronized actions among dozens of robots. AI algorithms combined with 3D laser radar ensured precise positioning even after intense movements.
Yinhe General's robot "Xiao Gai" demonstrated tasks like picking up glass shards, spinning peaches, retrieving goods from shelves, folding clothes, and skewering sausages—actions that are challenging for robots. Yinhe General's Deputy Director of Government Affairs, Zeng Hui, noted that unlike traditional pre-programmed robot performances, Xiao Gai's live skills showcased end-to-end autonomous sensing, decision-making, and execution, supported by large-scale embodied models trained through end-to-end methods and brain collaboration.
According to Lu Feng, Director of the Beijing Future Sci-Tech Industry Development Research Institute, compared to the 2025 Spring Festival Gala, the products showcased in 2026 feature three key technological advancements: breakthroughs in motion control, evolving from simple group dances to high-dynamic martial arts flips and cluster coordination; qualitative leaps in human-robot interaction, such as more lifelike micro-expressions in bionic robots; and comprehensive upgrades in "big brain" and "small brain" systems, shifting from pre-programmed execution to embodied large-model-based autonomous perception and decision-making, enabling spontaneous interactions and even fine labor.
Zhu Mingwei, Executive Director of the China High-End Manufacturing Research Center at Beijing Jiaotong University, noted that advancements in AI multimodal data fusion technology have enhanced robots' environmental perception through "big brain" efficient computing. Combined with "small brain" model-driven hardware adjustments, robots achieve precise motion control and efficiently complete highly complex tasks akin to humans. "Humanoid robots are continuously achieving individual breakthroughs in competition, with rapid improvements in dynamic response speed and operational precision."
Analysis suggests that, based on their Spring Festival Gala performances, humanoid robots have matured from "capable of performing" to "capable of working," laying the groundwork for further commercialization. Goldman Sachs recently maintained its shipment forecast: global humanoid robot shipments will reach 51,000 units in 2026, rising to 76,000 in 2027, marking a several-fold increase from the 15,000–20,000 units in 2025.
Beyond the stage, humanoid robots have integrated into various commercial and tourism scenarios during the Spring Festival, such as writing blessings in scenic areas, selling beverages, and providing one-on-one shopping assistance in supermarkets. Many companies are accelerating product innovation and market expansion to meet commercial service demands.
"From tools to partners, this shift in perception will make more people willing to accept robots into their lives," said a representative from Zhiyuan Robotics. In the short term, robots will appear in more performance settings, such as auxiliary theater performances or interactive music festival segments. Long-term, they will enter daily life scenarios like interactive mall guides, community cultural activities, and even small-scale home performances.
Lu Feng believes that robots' ability to "work effectively in real-world scenarios" presents new market opportunities for the supply chain. For example, accelerating new material applications will boost demand for lightweight materials like carbon fiber, electronic skins, and solid-state batteries for sensing and energy. Specialized solutions for scenarios like guided tours, logistics, and security are expected to gain traction.
However, interviewed experts caution that after the Spring Festival "screen time," humanoid robots may attract policy, capital, and market support but also require vigilance against "overheating risks." Zhu Mingwei emphasizes further collaboration in upstream and downstream R&D, sustained innovation in key components, improved national and industry standards, and lower supply chain costs. Companies should pursue differentiated competition, while the market needs patient capital to foster solid industrial growth.
CITIC Securities analysis notes that the robotics industry is at a critical juncture transitioning from "technological vision" to "industrial reality." This is not just a competition in computing power, algorithms, and precision manufacturing but also a strategic marathon.
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