The humanoid “Yang Bot”, now one and a half years old, has not only mastered intricate dance moves including the popular ‘Subject Three’ (科目三 Kēmù sān) but can also “listen” to music.
The highly anticipated China Media Group’s 2025 Spring Festival Gala took place on the evening of January 28th, captivating audiences with a seamless blend of cutting-edge technology and cultural heritage. Live broadcast technology and innovative stage design also infused this Year of the Snake celebration with technological brilliance.
A major part of Chinese New Year traditions, the Spring Festival Gala was no less showstopping for the Year of the Snake.
Integration of Heritage and Innovation
Among the evening’s standout performances was the spectacular robot dance “Yang BOT.” 16 humanoid robots, dressed in striking red floral jackets, performed a perfectly synchronized Yange dance alongside 16 human dancers.
One of the most captivating moments came when the robots flawlessly manipulated handkerchiefs, a signature element of Yange dance. With precise, AI-driven mechanical arm movements, they sent the handkerchiefs twirling and soaring through the air, creating a stunning visual spectacle symbolizing the seamless integration of heritage and innovation.
AI and Robotics in the Performing Arts
At the heart of this technological marvel is the humanoid robot H1 developed by Unitree. Standing approximately 180cm tall and weighing around 70kg, H1 is Unitree’s first humanoid robot, launched in August 2023. The robot demonstrates exceptional agility and is capable of executing complex movements such as spinning in place and flipping upside down, highlighting its high-precision motion capabilities.
“They execute fully automated position changes on stage, and all their dance movements are powered by AI,” said Wang Qixin, Head of Marketing at Unitree, in an interview with CGTN before the performance.
The “Yang BOT” performance not only amazed viewers worldwide but also showcased the limitless potential of AI and robotics in the performing arts, offering a glimpse into the future of technology-driven entertainment.
The Spring Festival Gala reached a global audience, broadcasting on 3,508 public screens across 136 cities in 87 countries. Compared to the previous year, the number of screens increased by 223, while international coverage expanded by 77.55% in countries and 51% in cities.
Written by Chen Wang, additional reporting by CNS.
If you liked this article why not read:Chinese New Year 2025 Traditions for Year of the Snake
