Chinese humanoid robots charmed onlookers on the streets of Milan on Friday, demonstrating impressive football skills and interacting with Olympic fans as part of a showcase by China Media Group's coverage studio for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, which opened on Friday at 20:00 local time.
This robotic "Champion Delegation" arrives in north Italy fresh from victory at Beijing's 2025 World Humanoid Robot Games, their first edition, where they triumphed in obstacle courses, football matches, and practical task challenges. Their appearance alongside the Winter Olympics signals China's push to position robotics as the next frontier of competitive spectacle.
"I think it's a very good combination of humans and robots. And for the Olympics it will be important to have everything together. And we are really happy because I think now technology in China is really advanced, and robot technology is great now in China," said Maria Rosa Azzolin, president of the Italy-China Institute.
The robot delegation is not only supporting the CMG's Winter Olympics coverage on site, but also visiting landmarks, universities, and research institutes across Milan to promote exchanges and cooperation.
"These aren't just machines anymore, they're more like us humans. China is truly leading the pack in this field," said Caesar, a resident in Milan.
The first World Humanoid Robot Games were held in Beijing last August, marking a historic milestone in the advancement of robotics and artificial intelligence.
The event drew 280 teams from 16 countries, including the United States, Germany and Italy, to compete in 26 events, which included the world's first humanoid robot 100-meter sprint and a fully autonomous 5v5 robot football match.
The second session of the games will be held in Beijing this August.
"The second World Humanoid Robot Games will be open to more cooperation in scenarios and standards, and drive research and development and production through competition, propelling humanoid robots from the arena into real-world production and daily life," said Liu Weiliang, deputy director of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology.
China's robotic athletes demonstrate technological progress in Milan
China's robotic athletes demonstrate technological progress in Milan
