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News Topical, Digital Desk : A video showing humanoid robots carrying assault rifles is going viral on social media. It's claimed that China has begun training robot soldiers for military service. However, an investigation has found this claim to be dubious, and the video has been confirmed to be AI-generated.
The viral post claimed that China had begun live-fire tests of a robot called "Yushu." It also suggested that in the future, humans would be unnecessary for warfare.
However, an investigation by the AI tool Grok revealed that the video is not real and is likely AI-generated. There have been no official or credible reports of military live-fire tests of Unitri's humanoid robot in 2026.
What does the investigation say on the video?
According to Grok, so far, Unitree robots have only been used for demonstrations at civic events. These robots have appeared on TV programs, such as the Spring Festival Gala.
In previous years, China has used quadruped robots in military trials, but there is no concrete evidence of training humanoid robot soldiers. This is not the first time such news related to China has gone viral. Previous claims have also been made that China has deployed AI robots near the LAC.
The real use of robots in China
China recently announced trials of humanoid robots for some non-combat tasks. Shenzhen-based company UBTech Robotics has signed a contract to supply robots for a pilot project near the Vietnam border.
The project involves a humanoid robot called 'Walker S2', which was introduced in July 2025. It is built with a self-replenishing battery system, allowing it to operate for a long time.
It is intended for use in tasks such as logistics, customs, and border management. The Chinese company Unitree Robotics recently captured global attention with a martial arts demonstration by a humanoid robot during a TV broadcast.
China's emphasis on robotics
Other companies are also moving forward in this area. MagicLab demonstrated dancing humanoid robots, while Noetics Robotics introduced human-like robots. Beijing-based Galbot demonstrated robots that can perform tasks like cracking walnuts, skewering sausages, and folding clothes.
According to a CNN report, China is investing heavily in robotics to maintain its manufacturing position amid rising labor costs and a shrinking working population. According to the International Federation of Robotics, China will be the world's largest industrial robot market in 2024, and more than half of all robots installed globally will be in China.
Currently, humanoid robots are mostly seen in entertainment and demos, but they are also being tested in factories, logistics centers, and research labs. Several companies are working to advance this technology with government support.
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