Chinese robot kicks founder to the ground

EngineAI, a humanoid robot startup in Shenzhen, China, continues to cause a stir on social media after posting a new sparring video , in which the T800 robot throws a straight kick that knocks the company's CEO and founder to the ground. The video immediately attracted widespread attention, following a series of clips of the robot performing a combination punch and spin kick in a boxing gym that the company previously posted.

The new footage shows the CEO, wearing a heavy protective suit, entering the “fighting ring” with the T800 and half-jokingly asking if he “will survive.” Immediately after, the robot delivers a powerful kick that knocks him back and falls to the ground, laughing nervously and exclaiming: “Too violent!”. EngineAI calls this “living proof” to refute the idea that the T800’s agility in previous clips is a CGI effect.

EngineAI's T800 robot attracts attention when it kicks the CEO. Source: EngineAI

The controversy began early last week when EngineAI released a behind-the-scenes video demonstrating that the robot actually maintains its dynamic balance while performing powerful movements. However, many remain skeptical. By putting the CEO in a situation where he takes a beating, the company wants to prove that the robot not only exists physically, but also has a sophisticated enough control system to stabilize after applying a large force to a target.

According to the specifications, the T800 uses a 450 N·m torque drive, allowing the 75 kg robot to perform powerful kicks and jumps as shown in the promotional materials. This power also comes with safety risks in human-robot interactions, especially when the robot is 1m73 tall and has the ability to exert great force.

The recent videos reflect a new marketing strategy for Chinese robotics companies: using dramatic demonstrations to emphasize the strength, durability, and mechanical performance of their products. EngineAI positions the T800 not just as a logistics robot, but as a platform that can operate in environments requiring high-force interactions.

Behind the scenes of EngineAI T800, a video released by EngineAI to dispel CGI rumors.

The CEO’s sparring session also kicked off EngineAI’s planned “Robot Boxer” competition on December 24. The company has been teasing a “battle-ready” version of the T800 for weeks, suggesting the series of videos isn’t a fluke but part of a carefully planned marketing plan.

The “ring-style” promotion also appeared at the time the company opened pre-orders for the T800 at $25,000, lower than some competitors such as Unitree. While creating a strong media effect, this strategy has raised questions from experts about safety standards when humanoid robots interact with humans in an antagonistic way.

EngineAI aims to deliver the T800 in series by June 2026. Observers will continue to monitor whether the robot can operate safely and reliably in real-world environments, from warehouses to production lines, as it has demonstrated in the gym.

Source: https://congluan.vn/robot-trung-quoc-da-nguoi-sang-lap-nga-lan-xuong-dat-10321831.html