Beijing Showcases AI Soccer Showdown: Humanoid Robots Compete in Autonomous Matches
June 29, 2025
In a groundbreaking event held in Beijing, four teams of humanoid robots showcased advanced AI technology by competing in fully autonomous 3-on-3 soccer matches.
The competition featured notable performances from the Blaze Team, Tsinghua University's Power Intelligent Team, and the Mountain-Sea Team from China Agricultural University, each demonstrating unique strengths.
The Mountain-Sea Team was particularly recognized for its energy-efficient design and consistent performance throughout the matches.
Booster Robotics provided the hardware for the teams, while each university developed its own algorithms to enhance robot behavior during gameplay.
Such robot competitions are becoming increasingly popular as crucial testing grounds for technological research and development, helping refine algorithms and improve performance in complex scenarios.
Despite their advancements, the robots faced challenges with dynamic obstacle avoidance, prompting rule changes to allow certain non-malicious collisions without penalties.
The event served as a testing ground for evaluating robots' stability, efficiency, and safety in proximity to humans, aligning with Beijing's goal to enhance real-world applications of robotics.
Cheng emphasized that these matches could help build public trust in robotics by showcasing real offensive and defensive interactions without the pressure of competition.
Analysts from Morgan Stanley highlighted China's position as a leading innovation hub in robotics, emphasizing its cost efficiencies and next-generation developments.
Despite significant improvements, the robots still exhibited instability during matches, underscoring the ongoing need for further technological advancements.
Future plans for these competitions include expanding the types of sports played by humanoid robots, with expectations for continued performance improvements.
The event attracted a large audience, including enthusiastic children who engaged with the robots during pre-match activities, contributing to the festive atmosphere.
Summary based on 35 sources
Get a daily email with more Tech stories
Sources

The Washington Post • Jun 29, 2025
China's humanoid robots generate more soccer excitement than their human counterparts
NBC News • Jun 29, 2025
A bumbling game of robot soccer was a breakthrough for embodied AI
AP News • Jun 29, 2025
Humanoid robots captivate fans in China with fully autonomous soccer matches | AP News
ABC News • Jun 29, 2025
China's humanoid robots generate more soccer excitement than their human counterparts