Four leading Chinese robotics firms – Unitree Robotics, Magic Atom, Galaxy General Robotics, and Songyan Dynamics – took center stage at the 2026 CCTV Spring Festival Gala, delivering a high-profile showcase of the nation’s latest advancements in intelligent robotics. The appearance, which captivated a nationwide audience of hundreds of millions, highlighted China’s growing prowess in the global robotics sector, while industry insiders emphasized that sustainable success hinges on translating this technological visibility into tangible commercialization.
Unitree robotics: Martial arts and extreme agility
In the martial arts performance “Wu BOT”, Unitree’s humanoid robots delivered a breathtaking display of dynamic movement, executing synchronized martial arts routines, continuous backflips, and parkour over tables. This marked the company’s second consecutive appearance at the gala, following its viral 2025 performance of a yangko dance. The routine showcased Unitree’s core strengths in motion control, balance, and multi-robot coordination, demonstrating the robots’ ability to perform complex, high-precision movements in real-time.
Magic Atom: Synchronized performance and mass swarm control
Magic Atom made its gala debut in two segments. In the main venue, six MagicBot Z1 and two MagicBot Gen1 humanoid robots performed alongside pop stars in the song “Intelligent Future”, executing synchronized dance moves with fluidity. In the Yibin branch venue, over a hundred quadruped robots, dressed as giant pandas, delivered a large-scale swarm performance, highlighting the company’s expertise in cluster control and system integration.
Galaxy general robotics: Practical intelligence and daily applications
In the New Year microfilm “My Most Unforgettable Tonight”, Galaxy General’s Galbot G1 humanoid robot demonstrated its practical utility by performing everyday tasks such as cleaning up broken glass, retrieving items from shelves, and even picking up a grilled sausage. This segment emphasized the robot’s dexterity and adaptability, positioning it as a solution for real-world scenarios like home assistance and retail services.
Songyan dynamics: Bionic emotion and interactive storytelling
In the sketch “Grandma’s Favorite”, Songyan Dynamics stole the show with a lineup of four robots, including a 1:1 scale bionic humanoid robot that closely resembled the famous actress Cai Ming. Equipped with 32 facial motors and a 3-degree-of-freedom neck, the robot could replicate subtle facial expressions and head movements, creating a deeply emotional and nostalgic interaction. The performance highlighted the company’s focus on human-robot interaction and emotional intelligence, moving beyond mere functionality to create meaningful connections.
The annual CCTV Spring Festival Gala, a cultural cornerstone of Chinese New Year celebrations, served as a powerful platform for the four companies to demonstrate their cutting-edge products and solutions. Industry analysts noted that the gala appearance not only elevated the national profile of these firms but also signaled the broader maturation of China’s robotics industry, which has seen rapid growth in R&D investment and technological breakthroughs in recent years.
However, experts and company representatives alike stressed that the gala was merely a “window” to showcase potential, not the finish line. “While the gala provides unparalleled visibility, the real test of our industry’s resilience and value lies in our ability to drive commercial adoption,” said a senior executive at one of the participating companies. “Commercialization – scaling solutions for manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and consumer markets – is the critical next step to turn technological leadership into sustainable economic impact.”
The focus on commercialization comes as China’s robotics market continues to expand, driven by government support, industrial upgrading, and rising demand for automation. According to recent industry data, China’s robotics sector is projected to maintain double-digit growth in the coming years, with humanoid and service robots emerging as key growth areas. The four companies’ gala appearance is seen as a strategic move to build brand recognition and attract investment, laying the groundwork for deeper market penetration.
As the robots took the stage, they also underscored the evolving landscape of global robotics competition. While China has made significant strides in hardware development and mass production, industry leaders emphasized the need to strengthen core technologies, such as AI algorithms and sensor systems, to ensure long-term competitiveness. “The gala is a moment of pride, but our work is far from over,” added another executive. “We must continue to innovate, collaborate, and deliver solutions that solve real-world problems to secure our place in the global market.”
For Unitree Robotics, Magic Atom, Galaxy General Robotics, and Songyan Dynamics, the gala appearance marks a new chapter in their growth journey. As they transition from the spotlight to the marketplace, the industry will be watching closely to see how these companies translate their technological achievements into sustainable commercial success – proving that in the robotics sector, the stage is just the beginning.