HUMANOID ROBOTS BOXING MATCH STEALS SPOTLIGHT AT KAZAKHSTAN’S DIGITAL BRIDGE FORUM

From Norshazlina Nor Azman

ASTANA (Kazakhstan), Oct 4 (Bernama) -- Humanoid robots squaring off in a boxing ring stole the spotlight at Digital Bridge 2025 International Forum, drawing crowds at Kazakhstan’s flagship and Central Asia’s largest technology event.

The live demonstration, staged in the forum’s Robotic Zone, featured two robots developed by Unitree, a robotics company based in China.

The pair, fitted with boxing gloves and protective headgear, sparred in short bursts, drawing cheers and excitement from visitors, and turning the exhibition floor into an improvised sports arena.

The boxing robots were among the main attractions in the Robotic Zone, which also showcased Unitree’s robotic dogs.

The four-legged machines drew attention as they performed acrobatic tricks, including handstands, and responded to commands from their handlers.

The robotic dogs attracted as much curiosity as the boxing match, with visitors gathering to film their stunts and observe their responsiveness.

The Robotic Zone emerged as one of the most popular areas of the exhibition, underscoring strong public interest in interactive and entertaining displays of advanced technology.

Meanwhile, robotic creations by Kazakhstan’s USTEM Foundation also drew huge interest at the forum.

The robots, made in China and programmed in Kazakhstan, include one designed for individuals with special needs that can be controlled using hand gestures.

Another model, demonstrated by the Almaty-based foundation, can speak English and Chinese and is currently being trained to communicate in Kazakh, reflecting local efforts to develop homegrown expertise and make robotics more inclusive.

Beyond robotics, the exhibition floor featured hundreds of startups and companies presenting solutions in artificial intelligence, fintech, edtech and other digital industries.

Startup Alley and pitch battles remained major draws for entrepreneurs, while immersive technology demonstrations gave visitors a glimpse of developments in virtual and augmented reality.

Digital Bridge 2025, which opened on October 2 and ends today, also brought together policymakers, academics, investors and industry leaders to discuss digital transformation and the future of artificial intelligence in the region.

-- BERNAMA