Ever thought robots could dance traditional folk dances? 🤔 Well, China's got something to show you! On Tuesday night, the annual Spring Festival Gala lit up with an electrifying performance where 16 humanoid robots teamed up with human dancers to rock the stage with the vibrant Yangko dance. 🎉💃🤖
The robots, created by Chinese robotics company Unitree, didn't just move to the beat—they caught and tossed handkerchiefs, a classic element of the Yangko dance! 🟡✨ Their precise mechanical arms sent the handkerchiefs spinning and soaring, blending age-old traditions with next-gen tech in a way that's pure magic. ✨🤩
So, how did these bots pull off such a tricky maneuver? 🤖🧐 According to Unitree's marketing rep, \"We've designed a very clever mechanism that integrates multiple AI control algorithms. At the end of the robotic arm, there are two motors: one maintains a high-speed spinning motion, while the other ensures that the handkerchief can be thrown out and then retracted.\" Talk about next-level engineering! 🛠️🧠
These aren't just any robots—they're part of Unitree's H1 series, nicknamed Fuxi. Standing tall at 1.8 meters and weighing in at 47 kilograms, they made their debut in August 2023 and even joined the NVIDIA GTC conference in 2024. 🚀🌐
But mastering the Yangko dance wasn't easy. The robots underwent three intense months of \"rehearsals,\" with movements designed through AI training to meet the dance's demands. They used laser SLAM technology for spot-on positioning and could change formations on the fly, even handling stage floor gaps like champs. 🎯🕺
Combining tradition with tech, this performance wasn't just a show—it was a glimpse into the future where art and innovation dance together. 🌟💫 And honestly, if robots can master handkerchief tossing, what's next? 🤖🎩✨
Stay tuned, world. China's robots are stepping up the game, and we're totally here for it! 🙌🌏
Reference(s):
Behind China's humanoid robot dance: How did they catch handkerchiefs?
cgtn.com
