China Unveils Autonomous Fighting Robot as Military Accelerates Humanoid Research

A Chinese robotics company has released footage of a humanoid robot fighting an opponent without a human directing each movement, highlighting a shift toward more autonomous machines.

Unitree published the footage on the evening of Sept. 7. The robot uses an artificial intelligence model that predicts changes in its surroundings and decides what to do next. That goes beyond systems controlled step by step through a remote control. Unitree had previously drawn praise for its “cerebellum” technology, which handles balance and running, while receiving a weaker assessment for the “cerebrum” functions of understanding situations and making decisions. The company has recently increased investment in AI for robot operation.

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The role of humanoid robots could expand from combat support to primary combat.

The demonstration comes as China's military expands research into autonomous humanoid robots. Reuters analyzed more than 100 procurement notices, academic papers and patents from the People's Liberation Army and reported a rapid increase in research during 2025 and 2026, particularly in robot perception, manipulation and training data.

Researchers at China's National University of Defense Technology proposed a scenario in which humanoid robots, robot dogs and unmanned vehicles operate alongside soldiers to clear an enemy-held building floor by floor and room by room. The PLA newspaper said humanoid robots could eventually move from combat support into primary combat roles.

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I do not see humanoid robots as practical battlefield systems at present, but in five to 10 years there is a good chance they could become that.

Procurement records point in the same direction. The Chinese military sought humanoid robots and installation and technical training last May, while this year it reportedly budgeted for cameras, radar and motion-data collection systems for humanoid robots. State-owned defense company Norinco has also displayed a robot called Push, describing it as suitable for guard duties, all-weather reconnaissance, intelligent patrols and dangerous missions.

The article notes that major obstacles remain, including environmental perception, intelligence and autonomous movement. Malcolm Davis of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute said current humanoid robots are not practical battlefield systems, but added that they could become so in five to 10 years. Wang Yonghua of the Chinese Academy of Military Sciences said technical breakthroughs and lower manufacturing costs would still be needed before humanoid robots could become military systems.

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Humanoid robots will head toward the battlefield in formation.