Hip-hop, wushu and Peking opera at the robotics games opening ceremony
China hosted the first World Humanoid Robot Games where 280 teams from 16 countries competed. Who brought more than 500 androids. It became almost a real Olympics for robots with all the attributes of major sports.
The opening ceremony took place at the Olympic Ice Ribbon stadium. Dozens of robots danced hip-hop, demonstrated wushu techniques and played drums. Together with human actors, the humanoids performed excerpts from Peking opera and participated in a fashion show. However, one robot stumbled and fell from the podium. But its partners continued the runway show as if nothing happened. Real professionals.
The competition program was very diverse. Robots played soccer and basketball, ran, boxed and played table tennis. There were also special disciplines — warehouse and production work. As well as individual and team competitions, just like humans.
One soccer match turned out comical. The robots constantly clustered together and fell down. They scored the only goal by accident. The goalkeeper simply forgot he was a goalkeeper and let the ball through.
In the 1500m race, the favorite from Unitree finished in 6 minutes 34 seconds. But the main event was an accident. One of the robots at full speed crashed into a human operator. The human fell but escaped with just a fright. And the robot imperturbably continued running as if nothing happened. Machine!!!
Yes, robots are still clumsy and often fall. But they already dance, play sports games and compete with each other. In a couple of years, such Olympics could become no less spectacular than human ones. Maybe even more interesting. After all, robots can be upgraded infinitely.
