EngineAI CEO takes a kick from T800 humanoid to silence CGI rumors - Interesting Engineering
Last week, the Shenzhen-based firm revealed T800, a full-scale general-purpose humanoid robot, also positioned as a platform for controlled fighting demonstrations scheduled later this year.
Key takeaways
The most recent headlines show a surge of commercial roll‑outs and high‑profile demonstrations across the humanoid‑robot sector. On 8 December 2025, Chinese robotics firm AGIBOT announced the official launch of its 5,000th mass‑produced humanoid robot, emphasizing a push toward large‑scale manufacturing and broader industrial deployment. In the same week, EngineAI released dramatic footage of its T800 full‑scale humanoid delivering a powerful kick to the company’s CEO, a stunt that serves to promote an upcoming “Robot Boxer” event slated for 24 December. Meanwhile, Unitree has continued to publicize its larger H2 humanoid, now shown in combat‑style videos where it punches, kicks and breaks parts of its smaller G1 sibling, reinforcing the company’s reputation for agile, teleoperated fighters. Earlier in 2025, Ubtech unveiled the Walker S2 generation, featuring an autonomous battery‑swap system that enables continuous operation in smart‑factory settings, and Deep Robotics introduced the DR02, the first all‑weather humanoid with IP66 protection aimed at outdoor security, logistics and hazardous‑site inspection. In parallel, Figure’s CEO has teased a short clip of the Figure 03 robot running at speeds far exceeding the typical three‑to‑four mph range of current models, echoing a Forbes report that noted a 40 % drop in humanoid‑robot manufacturing costs this year, bringing unit prices down to roughly $30,000‑$150,000. Together, these developments illustrate a rapid transition from laboratory prototypes to mass‑produced, high‑performance platforms that are entering both industrial workflows and public demonstrations.
Last week, the Shenzhen-based firm revealed T800, a full-scale general-purpose humanoid robot, also positioned as a platform for controlled fighting demonstrations scheduled later this year.
Robot kick controversy
EngineAI has released new footage showing its founder and CEO, Zhao Tongyang, being knocked to the ground by a forceful kick from the company’s newly launched humanoid robot, the T800. AI and RoboticsWatch: China introduces humanoid traffic robot to manage busy intersections in cities
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AI and RoboticsAI wants to help raise your baby. Scientists aren’t fully convinced According to Humanoidsdaily, the CEO’s sparring session sets the stage for EngineAI’s upcoming “Robot Boxer” event on December 24. The company has hinted for weeks at a combat-ready T800, indicating these high-intensity demonstrations are part of a deliberate strategy rather than isolated stunts.
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