LAS VEGAS, January 11, 2026 — The humanoid robot G-1, already available for purchase for under $15,000, proved surprisingly game for a boxing match at CES, offering a glimpse into a future where sparring with robots might be commonplace.
Robots at CES: More Than Just Dance Moves
The G-1 robot showcased at CES demonstrated both impressive agility and a willingness to engage in physical confrontation.
- Unitree’s G-1 humanoid robot is currently available for under $15,000.
- The robot showcased impressive dance skills alongside its combative abilities.
- A boxing match with the G-1 revealed some unexpected challenges for a human opponent.
Robotics company Unitree captivated attendees at the show with its G-1 humanoid robot. The unit, dressed in a white shirt and button-down vest, initially drew crowds with its surprisingly fluid dance moves, earning comparisons to legendary dancers like Shabba-Doo and Bugaloo Shrimp. However, the G-1 also demonstrated a more aggressive side.
What are the advantages of fighting a robot? While robots may possess superior strength and stamina, humans can leverage reach and strategic knowledge in a physical confrontation.
An unexpected opportunity arose to test the G-1’s capabilities firsthand. After spending the week immersed in the latest robotics technology, I was invited to participate in a boxing match against the robot. The setup, however, wasn’t entirely fair. The G-1 was equipped with headgear, while its human opponents were not. The robot’s gloves were a standard cherry red Everlast pair, contrasting sharply with the salmon-colored gloves provided to me.
The fight began with a clear disparity in physical attributes. The G-1 possessed greater strength and endurance, but I had a reach advantage and some basic boxing knowledge. My strategy focused on jabs, uppercuts, and maintaining distance. What I hadn’t anticipated was the robot’s tendency to swing at crotch level, exploiting my height advantage in a rather unfortunate way.
The experience offered a valuable, if slightly painful, lesson: when facing a robot uprising, choosing a dance-off might be the wiser option. And, perhaps, investing in protective gear is a good idea.
