Chinese robot manufacturers paid up to $15 million to participate in the gala concert
Chinese humanoid robot developers paid between 60 and 100 million yuan (about $8–14.5 million) for participation in the New Year’s gala concert. The cost of an exclusive performance package reached 500 million yuan.
Source Sixthtone
It is noted that companies participating in previous years, including UBTech Robotics and Unitree, did not have to pay for participation. The 2026 show featured four companies: Unitree Robotics, Noetix Robotics, MagicLab, and Galbot. Noetix showcased a bionic robot modeled after actress Cai Ming, which appeared in a comedic skit. Hundreds of four-legged robots from MagicLab, dressed in panda costumes, took part in a song performance. A robot from Galbot appeared in a film and demonstrated agility by cracking walnuts.
This notable case highlights the high level of commercialization of new technologies in China’s robotics sector and suggests a growing trend of integrating robots into large-scale cultural events.
