Beijing-based robotics company Robotera unveiled its humanoid robot, the L7, during Chinese New Year 2026 celebrations.
Marking the Year of the Fire Horse, the company showcased the robot performing a traditional-style sword dance with remarkable precision and balance.
The performance took place in a courtyard setting. The robot stood still, a sword in hand, before moving in sync with traditional music. Then, it began executing controlled slashes, thrusts, and sweeping arcs. The display quickly gained attention online for its fluid movements and lifelike coordination.
Robotera developed the L7 in partnership with Tsinghua University, one of China’s top research institutions. The robot first debuted in mid-2025. Then, engineers kept refining its control systems and mobility.
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For this latest demonstration, the team programmed the L7 to draw inspiration from the fictional “Dugu Nine Swords” martial arts style. Engineers focused on capturing the rhythm and spirit of traditional Chinese swordplay while maintaining mechanical precision.
The company’s goal was to test advanced embodied AI control under demanding conditions.
The L7 stands 171 cm tall and weighs 65 kg. It features a lightweight structure made from titanium and carbon fiber. The robot has 55 degrees of freedom across its body. Each arm includes seven degrees of freedom, while its hands have a combined 12 degrees of freedom.
This configuration enables delicate, accurate control. The robot can adjust its grip mid-motion without losing balance. It can also swing the sword at high speed, change direction quickly, and stop at full extension without shaking.
During the demonstration, the L7 jumped into the air, spun, and landed smoothly. Its feet are positioned firmly during pivots. There were no visible stumbles or instability. High-speed slashes blended with slower, controlled strokes, showing a wide range of motion.
Sword work requires tighter coordination than simple walking or dancing. The robot must match the blade’s swing to the music while stabilizing its entire frame.
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Robotera engineers designed the control system to combine real-time feedback with AI-powered motion planning. As a result, the robot maintained perfect balance even during rapid spins and overhead cuts. The blade moved in clean arcs without interfering with its limbs.
Previous demonstrations showed the L7 performing breakdancing routines and 360-degree spin jumps. However, this sword routine placed higher demands on timing and synchronization.
According to Robotera, the L7 is built for real-world use. The robot can reach speeds of up to 4 meters per second. It is designed for logistics, service tasks, and other practical roles supported by built-in AI systems.
The sword dance was proof of how far humanoid robotics has advanced. It demonstrated that hardware and software can replicate complex human motion in dynamic situations.
With this demo ahead of the Chinese New Year, Robotera combined cultural celebration with technological innovation. The performance signals growing progress in embodied AI, robotics engineering, and human-like motion control.
