China showcases humanoid robots at CCTV Spring Festival Gala

China’s CCTV Spring Festival Gala, the country’s most-watched TV event, will feature a spectacular display of humanoid robots this Lunar New Year, highlighting Beijing’s push to dominate advanced robotics and the future of manufacturing.

Startups including Unitree Robotics, Galbot, Noetix, and MagicLab will showcase their humanoid creations, performing alongside human entertainers in a televised event often compared to the Super Bowl in the US. 

The gala, which drew 79% of live TV viewership last year, has become a key platform for demonstrating China’s tech ambitions.

Last year, 16 full-size Unitree humanoids danced in sync with performers, a display that earned the company rare recognition, including a meeting between Unitree’s founder and President Xi Jinping. 

Xi has met multiple robotics startup founders over the past year, giving the sector unprecedented visibility alongside electric vehicle and semiconductor industries.

Experts say the gala offers companies a direct pipeline to government support, investor interest, and market opportunities, cementing its role as a showcase for China’s high-tech aspirations.