Technology

Beijing – China’s annual CCTV Spring Festival Gala, the country’s most-watched television event, showcased a dramatic leap in domestic robotics technology on Monday, highlighting Beijing’s ambition to lead in the development and manufacturing of humanoid robots. The gala featured performances by robots from four rising startups – Unitree Robotics, Galbot, Noetix, and MagicLab – signaling a concerted effort to position these advanced machines as a key component of China’s future industrial landscape.

The spectacle wasn’t merely entertainment; it was a demonstration of China’s rapidly advancing capabilities in artificial intelligence and robotics, industries the nation is heavily investing in. The event, often compared to the Super Bowl in the United States for its cultural significance and viewership, served as a platform to unveil the latest innovations and garner public support for these emerging technologies. China now accounts for a staggering 90% of the roughly 13,000 humanoid robots shipped globally last year, according to research firm Omdia, solidifying its dominance in the sector.

The gala’s opening segments were dominated by humanoid robot performances. Unitree Robotics, in particular, captivated audiences with a sophisticated martial arts demonstration featuring over a dozen robots executing complex fight sequences with swords, poles, and nunchucks alongside human child performers. The choreography included a technically ambitious rendition of “drunken boxing,” showcasing advancements in multi-robot coordination and the ability of the robots to recover from falls – a crucial step toward real-world applications.

Beyond Unitree, the gala featured ByteDance’s AI chatbot Doubao in an opening sketch, while Noetix robots shared the stage with human actors in a comedy skit. MagicLab robots performed a synchronized dance routine during a performance of “We Are Made in China.” This widespread integration of robotics into the gala’s programming underscores the strategic importance Beijing places on the industry.

The Rise of China’s Humanoid Robot Industry

The timing of this showcase is significant, coinciding with preparations for initial public offerings (IPOs) by major players like AgiBot and Unitree Robotics. Domestic AI startups are too leveraging the nine-day Lunar New Year holiday to release a wave of new frontier models. This surge in activity points to a maturing industry poised for significant growth. Morgan Stanley projects that China’s humanoid robot sales will more than double to 28,000 units this year.

Last year’s gala already offered a glimpse of this potential, stunning viewers with 16 Unitree humanoids performing a synchronized handkerchief dance. Shortly after, Unitree’s founder was invited to a high-profile tech symposium hosted by President Xi Jinping – the first such event since 2018 – signaling the government’s strong support for the sector. In the past year, President Xi has met with five robotics startup founders, a number comparable to the four electric vehicle and four semiconductor entrepreneurs he engaged with during the same period, further emphasizing the industry’s rising prominence.

Government Support and Market Access

According to Georg Stieler, Asia managing director and head of robotics and automation at technology consultancy Stieler, the CCTV Spring Festival Gala isn’t just a televised event; it’s a direct pipeline from industrial policy to public spectacle. “Companies that appear on the gala stage receive tangible rewards in government orders, investor attention, and market access,” Stieler explained. The gala, which drew 79% of live TV viewership in China last year, has long been used to highlight Beijing’s technological ambitions, including its advancements in space exploration, drones, and robotics.

The rapid progress demonstrated by these robots – a significant jump from last year’s performance – highlights Unitree’s focus on developing the “brains” of these machines, the AI-powered software that enables them to perform complex tasks suitable for real-world factory settings. This focus on practical application is central to China’s broader strategy of leveraging automation to address its aging workforce and boost manufacturing productivity.

Competition and Future Outlook

The success of Chinese humanoid robot companies hasn’t gone unnoticed by international competitors. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, recently stated that he expects his biggest competition in the field of embodied AI and humanoid robots to reach from Chinese companies, as Tesla pivots its focus toward its Optimus project. “People outside China underestimate China, but China is an ass-kicker next level,” Musk said last month.

As Poe Zhao, a Beijing-based tech analyst, notes, “Humanoids bundle a lot of China’s strengths into one narrative: AI capability, hardware supply chain, and manufacturing ambition. They are also the most ‘legible’ form factor for the public and officials.” In a nascent market, attention is a valuable resource, and the CCTV Spring Festival Gala has undoubtedly provided Chinese humanoid robot companies with a significant boost in visibility and momentum.

The gala’s emphasis on humanoid robotics signals a long-term commitment from Beijing to establish China as a global leader in this transformative technology. The coming months will be crucial as companies like AgiBot and Unitree move toward their IPOs and continue to refine their technologies for broader industrial applications. The world will be watching to witness if China can maintain its current trajectory and solidify its position at the forefront of the humanoid robot revolution.

What are your thoughts on China’s rapid advancements in robotics? Share your comments below and let us know what you think the future holds for this exciting field.

Steam is making waves with the surprise release of “Another Day With You,” a free adventure game currently boasting a perfect 100% positive review score from players. In a market saturated with independent titles, achieving such immediate acclaim is a notable feat. The game’s unique premise and accessible gameplay are quickly attracting attention, offering a refreshing experience for those seeking a more intimate narrative.

“Another Day With You” distinguishes itself with a simple yet strategically engaging concept. Players find themselves arriving early for a first date, granting them a window of time to explore a bustling city and interact with its inhabitants. This isn’t simply a waiting period, however; the choices made during this exploration directly impact the conversation topics available when the date finally begins.

The gameplay loop centers around a variety of mini-games and activities, including chatting with locals, playing arcade games and even fishing. Each action taken influences the narrative, requiring players to be mindful of their choices and prepared to respond thoughtfully to their date’s observations. Successfully navigating these interactions is key to making a good impression and securing a second date. The game’s design, as described by developers, is an “adventure game with lots of minigames,” emphasizing the importance of player agency, and consequence.

The time management aspect of “Another Day With You” adds another layer of depth, reminiscent of classic titles like “The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask,” “Dead Rising,” and “Outer Wilds.” Players can’t experience everything in a single playthrough, forcing them to prioritize activities and make strategic decisions before their date arrives. This encourages replayability, allowing players to experiment with different choices and uncover new conversational paths. You can observe gameplay footage on GandaCu’s YouTube channel.

What Makes “Another Day With You” Stand Out?

Beyond its free-to-play accessibility, “Another Day With You” offers a compelling blend of features. The game boasts a gentle and inviting art style, a strong focus on social interaction, a manageable playtime, and a high degree of replayability. Its strategic depth, despite its lighthearted approach, sets it apart from many other casual games.

The game’s success is particularly striking given the competitive landscape of the Steam platform. Steam consistently offers a wide range of free games, but achieving a 100% positive review score upon launch, as reported by GamingBible, is a rare accomplishment. This positive reception is likely fueled by word-of-mouth and the game’s appeal to players who enjoy narrative-driven experiences.

According to the Steam store page, the core question driving the game is simple: “Will you abandon your date waiting? Did you bring flowers?” This highlights the game’s focus on the small details and the importance of preparation in building a connection.

A Unique Take on the Dating Sim Genre

While often categorized as a dating sim, “Another Day With You” distinguishes itself by shifting the focus from the date itself to the anticipation leading up to it. This allows for a more nuanced exploration of character interaction and the impact of seemingly minor choices. The game’s emphasis on exploration and mini-games provides a welcome diversion from traditional dating sim mechanics, offering a fresh and engaging experience.

The game’s developers have successfully created a title that is both accessible and rewarding. Its free price point removes any barrier to entry, while its strategic depth and replayability ensure that players will seek to return for multiple playthroughs. The game’s success demonstrates the potential for innovative concepts to thrive even in a crowded market.

“Another Day With You” is currently available for download on Steam. Players are advised to check the minimum and recommended system requirements before downloading to ensure optimal performance. As of February 17, 2026, the game continues to maintain its perfect review score, suggesting its popularity is likely to grow.

The future of “Another Day With You” remains to be seen, but its strong start positions it as a potential standout title in the free-to-play gaming space. Whether the developers will add new content or features remains unknown, but the game’s current offering is already proving to be a hit with players.

What are your thoughts on “Another Day With You”? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below!