Preparations by both contestants and organizers are moving full steam in the run-up to the world's first robot fighting competition which will kick off in Hangzhou City of east China's Zhejiang on Sunday night, setting the stage for an electrifying battle of robots. The event, titled China Media Group (CMG) World Robot Contest: Mech Combat Arena Competition, will be livestreamed globally in the Olympic Sports Center in Hangzhou.
Four human contestants, each representing their respective teams, have been busy practicing ahead of the event, controlling their robots through hand-held controllers in the arena to fine-tune their humanoid robot players. 。
"It's truly amazing. The sound when the metal hits metal is really powerful, and I'm sure many viewers will be eager to try it out themselves after watching," said Jiao Tianqi, a contestant.
While the contestants continue perfecting their robots, the event organizing team has completed the setup and calibration of the arena. Lighting, sound systems, and cameras have all been tested multiple times, and the team has conducted several full-run simulations to ensure a seamless show.
"We'll showcase how the robots compete through algorithms and how the robot's torque (rotational force) is unleashed, all explained in simple, accessible language on the TV. We've also incorporated many stylized designs and invited top domestic robotics experts for live comments. We believe this will provide a visual representation of the future of robotics technology," said Jiang Hua, chief technical director of the CMG robot fighting competition.
This innovative event has captured the attention of many tech enthusiasts and martial arts fans.
"I have relatively high expectations for China's robot technology. I'm hoping for further technological progress which allows robots to achieve better coordination," said Zhu Zizhen, a resident.
"Starting with performance of Unitree's robots at the Spring Festival Gala earlier this year, China's robotics manufacturing industry has made great strides. We hope to see robots perform like martial arts masters, providing a more thrilling and innovative experience," said Yuan Zhihui, a tourist from Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu.
Contestants, organizers getting ready for world's first robot fighting competition in east China's Hangzhou
Artificial intelligence and robotics, both major topics of discussion at the ongoing Boao Forum this year, are also being widely adopted at the event as ways to improve the service inside and outside the venue.
The BFA Annual Conference 2026 is being held in Boao, south China's Hainan Province. Running from March 24 to 27, this year's conference is themed "Shaping a Shared Future: New Dynamics, New Opportunities, New Cooperation."
A water generator at the venue cools and condenses moisture from the air into water, then filters and sterilizes it. It can also run on solar power for a completely off-grid, zero-carbon operation.
Meanwhile, a special robot barista operates a coffee stand where guests can order a drink with the press of a button, prompting the robotic arm to get to work -- grabbing a cup, brewing, and frothing -- all in one smooth motion.
The venue has also adopted an AI-based management system, which can automatically adjust a range of factors based on current conditions and detect and respond to anomalies when they occur.
These sorts of systems are already being adopted at a wider scale across Hainan.
"This is our operational management center for the zero-carbon demonstration zone. It’s powered by an AI-driven system that manages all energy consumption and carbon emissions. From here, we can remotely control over three thousand devices across the island with a click, including air conditioners and lighting. It's smart management, done remotely," said Zeng Youwen, chief general engineer of the China Academy of Urban Planning and Design Hainan Branch.
Outside the venue, some smart equipment is also sharing the workload. On Boao's coastline, a beach-cleaning robot moves along the shore, sweeping up cigarette butts, debris, and coconut shells.
The robots can work before visitors arrive or after sunset, cleaning up to 3,000 square meters of beach per hour. In the water, a diving robot that clears debris and even has emergency rescue capabilities.
These on-site applications of emerging technologies have helped spur discussions at the forum on how the deep integration of technology and industry is gaining momentum as China enters the 15th Five-Year Plan period.
"Industries can only be upgraded by applying the new technologies, by applying AI, by applying other innovative technology, science and technology, there should all be injected into industries. And that's how the industries are going to produce high quality products. And you will have high quality productive forces that will change the lifestyle, the living standard of the Chinese people and the people living beyond," said Sohail Khan, deputy secretary-general of Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
Founded in 2001, the BFA is a non-governmental and non-profit international organization committed to promoting regional economic integration and bringing Asian countries closer to their development goals.
Robots, AI facilitate guest services at Boao Forum venue
