A concert stage in Chengdu, China, has unexpectedly become the epicenter of a global conversation about the future of robotics and entertainment. During the “Best Place Tour” of renowned singer and songwriter Wang Leehom, audiences witnessed a moment that felt less like a music performance and more like a glimpse into the future: six humanoid robots dancing, flipping, and performing complex acrobatics in perfect synchronization.

What made the moment even more significant was the reaction it sparked far beyond the concert hall—including from Elon Musk himself, the CEO of Tesla and one of the world’s most influential figures in robotics and artificial intelligence.

A Performance That Redefined Expectations

At first glance, the scene looked familiar. As the opening beats of the song “Open Fire” echoed through the arena, six figures clad in shimmering silver costumes stepped onto the stage under dazzling lights. Many in the crowd assumed they were human backup dancers wearing cyberpunk-style masks.

But within seconds, confusion turned into shock.

The figures moved with an uncanny level of precision and fluidity—too consistent, too perfectly synchronized. Then came the realization: these were not humans at all, but fully autonomous humanoid robots.

Unlike the stiff, mechanical movements traditionally associated with robots, these machines swayed naturally to the music, executed high kicks, rotated their bodies 360 degrees, and coordinated arm and leg movements with astonishing smoothness. Their performance did not resemble the outdated “robot dance” of past decades; instead, it looked like trained professional dancers responding intuitively to rhythm and beat.

The Moment That Changed Everything: Aerial Acrobatics

The climax of the performance pushed disbelief into awe.

With no wires, no visible support systems, all six robots simultaneously executed a Webster flip—a highly demanding aerial maneuver that requires explosive power, precise timing, and exceptional dynamic balance, landing cleanly on one foot.

For robotics experts, this moment was more than entertainment. It was a clear demonstration of advanced dynamic balance control, real-time force adjustment, and environmental perception—capabilities that remain among the most difficult challenges in humanoid robotics.

This was not choreography alone. It was a declaration of technological maturity.

Elon Musk Takes Notice

Videos of the performance spread rapidly across Chinese social media platforms and soon crossed borders, reaching audiences worldwide. Among those who saw the footage was Elon Musk, a man deeply invested in the future of humanoid robots through Tesla’s Optimus project.

Known for rarely praising competitors, Musk surprised many by reposting the video on X (formerly Twitter) with a single word: “Impressive.”

He went further, acknowledging that Chinese robots are now demonstrating capabilities across a wide spectrum—from factory work to expressive stage performances—challenging long-held assumptions about who leads the global robotics race.

Coming from Musk, often referred to as the “real-life Iron Man,” this brief endorsement carried enormous weight. It signaled that Chinese humanoid robotics is no longer playing catch-up, but operating on the same stage as, and in some areas potentially ahead of, Western counterparts.

The Company Behind the Robots: Unitree Robotics

The robots performing in Chengdu were developed by Unitree Robotics, a fast-growing robotics startup based in Hangzhou. Often described as a “unicorn” company, Unitree has become a symbol of what many call “China speed”—the nation’s ability to iterate, improve, and deploy advanced technology at astonishing pace.

Chinese netizens quickly drew comparisons to the 2024 Spring Festival Gala, where humanoid robots appeared on national television but were limited to relatively simple movements such as synchronized walking or prop-based gestures.

Less than a year later, by the end of 2025, Unitree’s robots were performing parkour-level acrobatics on a live concert stage, surrounded by loud music, vibrations, unpredictable lighting, and real-time audience noise—conditions that are notoriously difficult for sensors and control systems.

One concertgoer later posted online:

“I was sitting far from the stage and truly believed they were human dancers. Only when the camera zoomed in did I realize they were robots. Their smoothness was both unsettling and mesmerizing.”

Beyond the Stage: From Spectacle to Strategy

Despite the spectacle, Unitree Robotics has made it clear that this performance was not merely a publicity stunt. It was a high-profile technology demonstration designed to showcase the real-world readiness of its humanoid platforms.

The company’s long-term vision extends far beyond entertainment. Unitree aims to bring humanoid robots—such as its G1 model—into everyday households.

Earlier this year, Unitree introduced a feature called “Keep the Music Going, Keep the Dance Flowing,” which allows robots to analyze ambient audio in real time and generate corresponding dance movements automatically. The implications are significant: robots that can respond creatively to their environment, not just execute pre-programmed tasks.

In practical terms, this could mean future household robots that not only clean, cook, or assist with chores, but also teach children to dance, entertain guests, or interact socially in ways that feel natural and engaging.

A Turning Point for Robotics and Human Interaction

The collaboration between Wang Leehom and Unitree’s humanoid robots represents more than a successful concert gimmick. It marks a moment when robotics stepped confidently out of controlled laboratory settings and into the unpredictability of the real world—not as tools, but as performers and collaborators.

This raises profound questions about the future of art, labor, and human-machine interaction. Will future concerts rely less on human dancers? Or will the most compelling performances emerge from hybrid collaborations, where human emotion meets machine precision?

What is increasingly clear is that China is positioning itself as a leader in this transformation. With rapid development cycles, strong integration between industry and application, and growing global recognition—even from figures like Elon Musk—the country is playing a central role in shaping the next era of humanoid robotics.

As the applause faded in Chengdu, one thing became undeniable: the age of humanoid robots as passive machines is ending. A new chapter is beginning—one where robots don’t just work beside us, but perform with us, learn from us, and perhaps even inspire us.

And the world is watching.

https://www.youtube.com/watch/sW9tgWw-GRE