A dramatic demonstration by Chinese robotics company EngineAI has gone viral after its founder and CEO, Zhao Tongyang, was kicked to the ground by one of the company's humanoid robots during a staged martial arts demonstration.
The video has drawn widespread attention, highlighting China's rapid advances in embodied artificial intelligence (AI) and humanoid robotics.
Despite being knocked down, Zhao described the incident as proof of the robot's strength and his team's technological success.
"Since it is already powerful enough to kick me down, this proves that we've succeeded," Zhao said, adding that future efforts will focus on ensuring the robots' power can be safely controlled.
Founded in Shenzhen, EngineAI develops general-purpose humanoid robots equipped with more than 20 high-performance joints designed to deliver agility, balance and explosive movement.
Zhao said the company develops its own motors, reducers and controllers, giving its robots industry-leading power density.
According to the company, a humanoid robot can be assembled in just 15 minutes, with production capacity reaching up to 1,000 units per month.
The firm's factory also includes a dedicated training area where robots practise martial arts techniques using boxing rings and punching bags.
Zhao said the robots are equipped with 3D laser vision and advanced sensors that enable them to distinguish between targets while executing more than 100 pre-programmed offensive and defensive movements.
Zhao acknowledged that competition in the AI industry is "ruthless" but credited Shenzhen's innovation ecosystem for enabling startups to keep experimenting and improving.
China is rapidly expanding its robotics sector as part of its drive to develop high-tech industries. Official data show industrial robot output rose 28% year-on-year in the first half of 2026, while authorities have launched programmes aimed at accelerating the large-scale deployment of humanoid robots.
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