Key Points
- EngineAI released a video of its T800 robot kicking CEO Zhao Tongyang.
- The footage was intended to counter claims that earlier robot videos were CGI.
- The T800 demonstrates running, punching and kicking capabilities.
- The clip promotes an upcoming robot boxing match on December 24.
- Previous robot fighting events in Hangzhou featured smaller, less capable bots.
- Industry peers like Figure 03 and Tesla Optimus also show running gaits, but not combat focus.
- Public reaction mixes excitement about technical feats with concern over aggressive robot behavior.
- EngineAI’s strategy emphasizes entertainment and performance over household utility.
Behind-the-scenes footage from the EngineAI T800 shoot — a direct response to the CG accusations. – YouTube
Figure 03 vs Tesla Optimus: Which Robot Runs More Like a Human? – YouTube
EngineAI Demonstrates T800 Combat Skills
EngineAI posted a video that captures its full‑size humanoid robot, the T800, delivering a forceful kick to the midsection of company chief Zhao Tongyang. The CEO, padded for safety, is shown being propelled backward by the impact, though he appears unharmed. The clip was framed as a direct response to claims that a previous video—showing the robot running, punching a bag and performing round‑house kicks—was computer‑generated imagery rather than real footage.
In the new footage, EngineAI developers appear to film the robot’s capabilities in a controlled setting, emphasizing the physical power of the T800. The robot’s actions include rapid running, striking motions and the highlighted kick, demonstrating a level of kinetic performance that surpasses earlier, more modest demonstrations from other Chinese robotics firms.
Context Within the Robot Fighting Scene
The video also serves as promotion for an upcoming robot boxing match scheduled for December 24. This event follows a prior Mecha Fighting Series held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, where smaller, child‑sized robots engaged in boxing bouts that were noted for missed swings and frequent falls. By contrast, the T800 appears to be a more capable and potentially dangerous participant, showcasing a shift toward more aggressive, combat‑oriented humanoid robots.
Industry observers have noted that while many robotics companies focus on practical household tasks, EngineAI is pushing the envelope with robots that can run, punch and kick like humans. Comparisons have been drawn to other humanoid platforms such as Figure AI’s Figure 03 and Tesla’s Optimus, both of which have demonstrated running gaits. However, EngineAI’s emphasis on combat performance distinguishes the T800 from these peers.
Public Reaction and Implications
The viral nature of the video has sparked conversation about the direction of humanoid robotics, with some viewers expressing concern over the development of machines capable of delivering powerful physical blows. Others view the demonstration as a marketing stunt designed to garner attention for the forthcoming boxing match. Regardless of intent, the footage underscores a growing trend in the robotics field: the creation of machines that not only mimic human movement but also replicate human‑like aggression.
EngineAI’s approach highlights the broader debate within the industry about the balance between functional utility and entertainment‑driven showcases. While the T800’s combat abilities are impressive, critics argue that resources might be better directed toward robots that can perform everyday tasks such as dishwashing or cleaning. The company, however, appears committed to exploring the limits of humanoid performance, positioning the T800 as a showcase of both technical prowess and showmanship.
Source: techradar.com