China hosts first humanoid robot fighting competition

The world's first international fighting tournament among humanoid robots took place in the Chinese city of Hangzhou (Zhejiang Province). The organiser of the unusual competition was the China Media Group (CMG), as reported by CGTN, a partner of TV BRICS.

The tournament included two parts – demonstration and competition. In the first part, robots demonstrated combat skills in single and group performances. In the second, operators controlled the robots in real time via a special system.

Each bout consisted of three rounds of two minutes each. The punches were evaluated according to a point system: one point was awarded for an accurate punch with the hand, and three points for a kick with the foot. The participant lost five points for a knockdown, and if the robot did not get up within eight seconds, it was immediately disqualified.

The robot, controlled by operator Lu Xin, won. In the final round, it knocked out its opponent in all three rounds.

According to equipment tester, professional athletes were involved in the preparation of the robots: they were fitted with sensors that record their movements. This data formed the basis of training algorithms using artificial intelligence, thanks to which the robots practised punches – from hooks to uppercuts.

Photo: CGTN