A viral video from a recent concert by Chinese singer Wang Leehom has officially launched the internet into yet another are we living in the future or a dystopian movie? debate.
The singer-actor, 49, performed at his Best Place Tour stop in Chengdu, China, from December 18 to 21 — but it wasn’t just Wang’s vocals that had people talking. Mid-performance, six humanoid robots joined him onstage, dancing in near-perfect synchronization during his song “Open Fire.” Yes, actual robots.
Clips from the concert quickly spread across social media, showing the robots — dressed in matching sequined tops and black leather pants — executing complex choreography alongside human dancers. At one point, several of them even pulled off front flips in unison, which only fueled the collective disbelief online.
The robots are part of Unitree Robotics’ G1 line, developed by the Hangzhou-based company. Each robot stands about 130 cm tall, weighs roughly 35 kg, and is equipped with at least 23 joint motors designed to “simulate human hands to achieve precise operation of objects.” They reportedly have a battery life of around two hours and retail for about $13,500 each.
The performance didn’t just catch fans’ attention — it caught Elon Musk’s too. Reposting footage from the concert, the Tesla CEO simply called it “impressive.”
Others were less sure how to feel. While many viewers praised the robots’ precision and stage presence, some joked that dancers’ jobs might be in danger. “Ok… robots in China are next level,” one observer tweeted. “They can do everything, even dancing like professionals!”
According to Wang’s official website, the moment was meant to highlight the intersection of art and innovation. “The performance marked a rare example of a Robotic Dancer in concert, blending advanced technology with powerful live music,” the site reads. “As the opening beats of ‘Open Fire’ filled the venue, robotic dancers appeared and moved in perfect synchronization with Wang Leehom’s choreography.”
The website also notes, “Many fans praised the performance as one of the most creative highlights of the Best Place Tour, showing how music and technology can merge seamlessly.”
Still, not everyone is sold. While some fans called the robots “cool” and “next-level,” others found the visuals unsettling — proof that the line between futuristic fun and uncanny valley is razor-thin.
Unitree’s G1 robots have already gone viral for other reasons, from showing off kung fu skills to enduring physical stress tests on camera. The company is even teasing a future where the robots could dance at home, thanks to a feature dubbed “Keep the Music Going, Keep the Dance Flowing.”
