China’s robots ready for Kung fu combat? Viral videos show humanoid robots training with Shaolin monks at a temple

China's Kung fu is an ancient and revered martial art well known across the world, practised for over decades and passed down through generations of Shaolin monks. But what if this special and age-old martial arts technique goes far beyond being practised by Shalolins?

Something similar is happening in China, where a video showing a fusion of ancient traditions and cutting-edge robotics is going viral online.

Robots share Dojo with monks

A viral video from China's Shaolin Temple shows humanoid robots practicing Kung fu with Shaolin monks. The footage video shows the machines mimicking punches, kicks, and choreographed moves along with the warrior monks. According to reports from Moneycontrol, this looks like a combination of historic martial arts with modern AI technology.

What are these robots and who built them?

Shanghai-based AgiBot created these robots. The company specialises in AI-powered humanoids designed for mass production. Built for everyday real-world use, they navigate environments smoothly and tackle challenging tasks, from factory work to dynamic activities like Kung fu drills. These AgiBot robots sense their surroundings and can perform even the most difficult movements with ease.

Social media weighs in!

Shared widely on social media, the video has millions of views, and has received mixed reactions on social media, combined with humour.

One user commented on X, “Damn, this country is heading the top...I am a big fan...China is soon to be a dream country for the entire world.” Another joked, “Meanwhile, men, we are using AI to generate pictures.”


A third wrote, “And, here in India, we are training people to hate each other based on events that have happened thousands of years ago!” Critics added, “Everything about China is great till the time they are recording and sharing on social media. Once you start using them, only then do you know the real reality of cheap and incompetent Chinese products.”

This video is a stark contrast between tradition and technology

The scene contrasts monks' disciplined, spiritual training with robots' sensor-driven motions. It's like the ancient Kung fu meets algorithms in Henan Province's temple.

But is it just a stunt or something more?

Some see it as mere hype. The robots follow pre-programmed steps without true learning, muscle memory, or adaptation like human monks.

While fun to watch, it raises questions about robots in art and sports, and whether this is exciting progress or a threat to jobs.