Stunning footage showing humanoid robots performing kung fu alongside Shaolin monks has taken the internet by storm. Martial arts and AI technology are continuing to intersect in breathtaking new ways.
Shared by Chinese robotics developer AgiBot on Feb. 7, a viral clip showcases the company’s Lingxi X2 robots punching and kicking in synchronized form with flesh-and-blood practitioners at the famous Shaolin Temple in China’s Henan province.
Social media platforms exploded with shares and reactions shortly after the video’s debut on X. AgiBot’s official account confirmed the legitimacy of the demonstration, adding to widespread intrigue.
“Shaolin monks + humanoid robots: perfectly synced kung fu, unreal balance, tradition and tech colliding in real time,” said AI investor Kai Yong Kang in a social media post.
This temple where the latest spectacle was observed has garnered a reputation for being the birthplace of Shaolin kung fu.
The video comes at a time when humanoid robots are being employed for martial training, competing against each other for the amusement of observers, and continually improving their acrobatics abilities.
Q: “All Chinese know kung fu?”
A: “Yes, including Chinese robots.”Check these humanoid robots out at Henan’s Shaolin Temple. They are the real masters. pic.twitter.com/mpldg5fm5o
— Mao Ning 毛宁 (@SpoxCHN_MaoNing) February 9, 2026
Read more: China’s AgiBot formally opens 1st overseas robotics centre in Malaysia
Innovative R&D behind Lingxi X2’s skills
AgiBot engineers have worked diligently to equip Lingxi X2 with the agility it needs to keep up with Shaolin monks.
The robot made its debut in March of 2025, first demonstrating cycling skills in open spaces before successfully completing a Webster-style front flip in September.
Lingxi X2’s progression is the result of years of focused work on a smart AI system called Genie Operator-1 that essentially serves as the robot’s brain. It enables a feature called zero-sample generalization, which lets the humanoid copy brand-new movements without any prior examples. Zero-sample generalization allows the robot watch a person move, understand the action and then repeat it on its own.
Strong joint modules installed by AgiBot offer high power and precision, letting the robots complete complex movements on uneven terrain.
Moreover, advanced sensor technology empowers AgiBot’s humanoids to process their surroundings in milliseconds, dodge obstacles and move seamlessly in sync with others. They are more adaptable than many other robots.
Read more: AgiBot launches miniature humanoid robot you can carry in a backpack
Latest milestones and competitive landscape
AgiBot continues to make its mark on the Chinese and global robotics sector beyond the viral kung fu demonstration. This week, the company received an Outstanding Innovation Award at the prestigious Icebreaker Spring Gala.
Additionally, AgiBot attracted attention in November after receiving a Guinness World Record for the longest distance ever walked by a humanoid robot. Its A2 model strutted more than 106 kilometres from Suzhou to Shanghai over a period of three days.
The autonomous trek, completed in heat nearing 40 degrees Celsius while adhering to traffic laws, showcased the endurance of the robot.
AgiBot celebrated producing its 5,000th robotic creation the following month. Then, in January, the Chinese firm opened its first overseas experience centre in Malaysia.
Despite its considerable standing and achievements in the AI and robotics field, AgiBot still faces hefty competition from industry players like Unitree Robotics, Ubtech Robotics Corp Ltd (OTCMKTS: UBTRF) (FRA: 7US) (HKG: 9880), Figure AI, Optimus creator Tesla Inc (NASDAQ: TSLA) (ETR: Tl0) and Boston Dynamics.
Read more: Airbus partners with UBTech Robotics for humanoid aircraft manufacturing pilot
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