REK plans permanent robot-fighting arena in Tokyo for 2027
The U.S. league plans a Tokyo base for humanoid robot bouts, pilot training and company demonstrations, with an opening targeted for the first quarter of 2027.
By the Open Scoring Sports newsroom ·
REK plans a permanent Tokyo robot-fighting arena
U.S.-based REK Inc. plans to open a permanent robot-fighting arena and regional operations base in Tokyo in the first quarter of 2027, Dellows News reported. The venue is planned to host close-up bouts between human-piloted, full-size humanoid robots, along with regular spectator events, pilot training and demonstrations for companies.
Dellows News reported that REK is also planning simulator tournaments across Asia to help aspiring pilots develop their skills, and is considering future international competitions between Asia and the United States. The arena’s location and opening date have not been finalized.
REK’s earlier Akihabara event, REK TOKYO 2026, sold out, according to Dellows News, and a Japanese competitor won at an event in the United States. The reports say another Tokyo event is expected in the coming months, before the permanent venue opens.
Wall Street Journal reports on high-tech effort to save salmon
The Wall Street Journal published a report titled “Lasers, Robots and AI: The Fight to Save Salmon Goes High-Tech.” The supplied report information does not include further details about the effort.
Ultimate Bots posts robot demonstrations from a TED stage
Ultimate Bots published three clips between Oct. 28 and Nov. 1 showing humanoid robots dancing and mirroring a person’s punches and kicks, according to the league’s YouTube channel and Roboxing. The clips are demonstrations, not fights.
The clips show a robot performing a Chinese New Year dance, two robots dancing to moves taught by an Oakland dancer, and a robot mirroring a person’s strikes through camera tracking, Roboxing reported. The clips identify only “the TED stage”; the talk’s date and title are unverified, and Ultimate Bots has not said the tools will be used in Season 2.
Jiemian News outlines URKL organiser’s case for robot fights
Jiemian News’ profile of URKL, the humanoid robot fighting league run by EngineAI, described the organiser’s case for holding bouts: testing hardware, developing robot capabilities, validating machines for hazardous work, generating data and attracting talent. Roboxing said those arguments largely came from EngineAI and had not been independently corroborated.
Jiemian reported that the league’s stated aims include improving motion control, balance, perception, decision-making, power systems and structural protection. The profile quoted EngineAI founder and CEO Zhao Tongyang arguing that autonomous robots are the future of fighting and that combat validation could help advance robots for hazardous or heavy work.
Sources (6)
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