Robot Dance at 2025 Spring Festival Gala: A Technological Milestone
At China’s 2025 Spring Festival Gala, a humanoid robot performed a traditional dance routine featuring impressive ribbon twirling, showcasing the advancement of Chinese robotics technology and sparking discussions about the intersection of tradition and innovation.

The 2025 Spring Festival Gala in China featured a groundbreaking performance that captured global attention - a humanoid robot performing the traditional “Silk Ribbon Dance.” This technological marvel, directed by renowned Chinese director Zhang Yimou, demonstrated remarkable balance, precision, and artistry that went far beyond mere mechanical movements.
The robot, dressed in traditional red and green cotton clothing, executed complex movements while manipulating a silk ribbon with unprecedented dexterity. Perhaps the most impressive moment came when the robot threw the ribbon into the air and successfully caught it - a feat that requires sophisticated spatial awareness and real-time adjustment capabilities.
This performance represents a significant milestone in robotics development, particularly for China’s growing technology sector. The robot was developed by Unitree Technology, one of Hangzhou’s “Six Dragons” - a group of leading tech companies that includes Game Science, DeepSeek, Deep Robotics, BrainCo, and Manycore Technology. These companies have established Hangzhou as a prominent hub for artificial intelligence and robotics innovation.
The technical achievement goes beyond entertainment value. The bipedal robot maintained perfect balance throughout the dance routine, a challenge that has long puzzled robotics engineers. The successful integration of traditional Chinese cultural elements with cutting-edge technology demonstrates how innovation can preserve and reinvent cultural heritage.
However, some observers noted interesting technical details, such as the need for human assistance when the robot exited the stage. This sparked discussions about the current limitations of robotics technology and the road ahead. The robot’s estimated price tag of 50,000 yuan ($7,700) also generated debate about the commercialization potential of such advanced robotics.
The performance reflects a broader trend in Chinese technological development, where companies are increasingly focusing on creating practical applications for advanced robotics. While some viewers compared this to military parade formations, others saw it as a celebration of China’s growing technological capabilities and cultural innovation.
This groundbreaking performance has set a new benchmark in the field of robotics and entertainment, suggesting that future collaborations between traditional arts and advanced technology may become increasingly common. As one viewer noted, from inventing gunpowder for fireworks to programming robots for dance performances, this represents China’s unique approach to peaceful applications of technology.