BEIJING – At the launch event for the inaugural World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing on Thursday evening, humanoid robots showcased their skills through hip-hop dancing, martial arts demonstrations, and playing musical instruments such as the keyboard, guitar, and drums.

The competition officially kicks off on Friday, featuring over 500 humanoid robots organized into 280 teams from 16 countries including the U.S., Germany, and Japan. They will compete in various sports like soccer, running, and boxing. This event aligns with China’s increased focus on developing humanoid robots driven by artificial intelligence.

During the opening, robots displayed performances in sports like soccer and boxing, complete with backflips and cheers that mimicked a real sports event.

One robot soccer player scored a goal after a few tries, causing the goalkeeper to fall to the ground. Another player fell but stood up unassisted.

In addition to sports, the robots participated in a fashion segment, sporting trendy hats and clothes alongside human models. Notably, one robot model took a fall and needed assistance from two humans to be removed from the stage.

Competitors include teams from robotics companies as well as Chinese institutions such as Tsinghua University and Peking University, with participation also from three middle schools.

China’s official newspaper People’s Daily quoted a government officer in Beijing as saying “every robot participates is creating history.”

The event will last three days, concluding on Sunday. Tickets sold to the public range from 180 yuan ($25) to 580 ($80).

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Olivia Zhang contributed to this report from Beijing.