Yao Qiyuan pitches humanoid robot contests as a draw for tourism
The Zhongqing Robotics co-founder said competitions could connect robotics with city attractions and consumer experiences, and voiced interest in bringing a touring humanoid robot challenge to Changsha.
By the Open Scoring Sports newsroom ·
Yao Qiyuan pitches humanoid robot contests as a draw for tourism
At a cultural technology forum on Nov. 9, 2026, Zhongqing Robotics co-founder Yao Qiyuan described how humanoid robot competitions could move from the lab into tourism and public spaces. He said combat events test robots’ balance, reactions, power and adaptability, while letting audiences see the technology in action.
Yao said the company is exploring a model linking competitions, attractions and city spending, including robot performances, interactive experiences and technology education. He said he hoped to bring a touring humanoid robot challenge to Changsha and connect it with local media, creative industries and tourism resources.
CIIE showcases a camera ring, tea-serving robot and electric aircraft
At the ninth China International Import Expo in Shanghai, Sony presented a ring-shaped camera designed to turn image information into language to help blind people understand their surroundings, as well as its companion robot dog Aibo. Siemens displayed an embodied-intelligence robot, and organizers also held robot fighting matches.
Zhiyuan Robotics’ Jingling G2 demonstrated tea-serving, while a company unveiled an M1, a 2-ton piloted electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, in the automobile and smart-mobility section, The Today reported.
Tianjin robotics contest draws 702 students from 25 universities
The Tianjin round of the 2026 North China university student robotics competition opened Nov. 8 at Tianjin University of Technology, with 190 teams and 702 students from 25 local universities competing. The municipal education commission organized the event, Tianjin Daily reported.
The contest featured eight events, including service robots, AI and industrial robotics, robot painting and calligraphy, martial arts, autonomous driving and underwater robotics. Organizers said the competition aims to build students’ design, algorithm and AI application skills and connect student projects with businesses.
Unitree founder says robot fights are less dramatic as machines stay upright
Unitree founder and CEO Wang Xingxing said robot-fighting demonstrations are less entertaining than in 2025 because robots can now stay upright after heavy blows, according to a Global Times report published Nov. 5, 2026.
Wang also said Unitree had developed two robots that fight autonomously using a world model to process visual input and make decisions. The report did not provide independent verification or say where or when the robots demonstrated the capability.
Chinese humanoid robot performs Kung Fu moves at COP31
A humanoid robot in traditional Chinese clothing danced, waved and performed Kung Fu moves in front of the Chinese pavilion on the first day of COP31, GZH reported.
The Chinese pavilion presented the robot, with technology and artificial intelligence among the themes China has been highlighting at the conference.
UFB profile describes roboticist’s work with a Unitree G1 on tour
A UFB YouTube video dated Aug. 20, 2026, profiles the league’s lead roboticist, Patrick, and says he spent a month on tour with Joji operating and programming a Unitree G1 robot named Butters. UFB’s description says the robot faced low light, fog, flashing lights and a narrow raised platform.
The description says Patrick was controlling and programming the robot, but does not say it operated autonomously. UFB has not published a fight time or card for its TwitchCon San Diego opener, according to Roboxing.
TwitchCon posts San Diego show hours, but UFB has not announced fight times
TwitchCon lists public show hours of 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 13 and 14, 2026, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Nov. 15, all in Pacific time. Nov. 12 is listed for wristband pickup only, according to the schedule page reviewed by Roboxing.
Neither UFB nor TwitchCon had published a fight time, card, stage or stream schedule for UFB’s opener, Roboxing reported. The TwitchCon schedule page it reviewed did not mention UFB or robot fights.
Machinery Market calls for businesses to sponsor a Fightfest robot
Machinery Market reported a call for businesses to sponsor their own Fightfest robot.
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