Humanoid robots take centre stage at China pop concert

Unitree Robotics’ G1 humanoid robots have stepped into the spotlight of China’s live entertainment scene, performing as synchronised backup dancers during a Wang Leehom concert that drew about 18,000 people, marking a striking crossover between advanced robotics and mainstream pop culture.

The performance unfolded as the pop star launched into a high-energy segment of his show, with several G1 units emerging alongside human dancers. The robots executed coordinated flips, spins and arm movements in time with the music, mirroring choreography designed for human performers. Large screens magnified the spectacle, prompting audible reactions from the crowd as the machines kept pace under concert lighting and sound conditions.

The appearance was not framed as a technical demonstration but as a fully integrated part of the show, underscoring how humanoid robots are moving beyond laboratories and industrial floors into public-facing roles. For Unitree, a Hangzhou-based robotics firm known for its quadruped robots and growing humanoid portfolio, the concert offered a high-visibility platform to display balance control, motion planning and real-time coordination in an unpredictable environment.

Wang Leehom, a globally recognised figure in Mandarin pop with a career spanning more than two decades, has long embraced technology-driven stagecraft. His decision to feature humanoid robots aligns with a broader trend in China’s entertainment industry, where concerts increasingly rely on immersive visuals, augmented reality and sophisticated stage automation to differentiate live experiences.

The G1 robots, which stand roughly human height and are designed for agility and interaction, performed without visible safety tethers, suggesting confidence in their stability systems. Industry observers noted that executing flips and rapid directional changes in close proximity to human dancers requires precise sensing and control to avoid collisions, highlighting advances in perception and actuation.

Beyond the spectacle, the performance has reignited debate over the role of automation in creative industries. Some performers and choreographers have voiced concern that robots could displace human dancers in certain settings, particularly for repetitive or physically demanding routines. Others argue that such technology will function as a complement rather than a replacement, opening new creative possibilities and reducing costs for large-scale productions.

Producers familiar with concert logistics point out that hiring and training large dance troupes can be expensive, especially for tours spanning multiple cities. Robots, once acquired, can be programmed for consistent performances and reused across shows, potentially lowering long-term costs. At the same time, upfront investment, maintenance, transport and technical support remain significant considerations.

China’s push into humanoid robotics provides important context for the performance. The sector has been identified as a strategic growth area, with companies racing to develop machines capable of operating in human environments. Demonstrations in factories, warehouses and research centres have been joined by public showcases designed to familiarise audiences with humanoid forms and capabilities.

Academic researchers note that public acceptance is a critical factor in the deployment of service robots, particularly those designed to interact closely with people. High-profile cultural events can soften perceptions and shift robots from abstract technological concepts to tangible participants in everyday life.

Social media reaction to the concert was swift, with clips of the robots’ dance routines circulating widely on Chinese platforms. Commentators praised the novelty and technical polish, while others questioned whether audiences were witnessing a glimpse of entertainment’s future or a carefully staged publicity exercise. The buzz itself has amplified Unitree’s brand visibility at a time when competition among domestic robotics firms is intensifying.