Unitree G1 robots wow America's Got Talent as Congress weighs ban
8 humanoid robots get standing ovation on AGT while lawmakers push to block Chinese tech
Chinese robotics firm Unitree brought its G1 humanoid robots to the season premiere of America's Got Talent on NBC, airing Tuesday evening. Eight G1 units performed an elaborate dance routine alongside Chinese dancer Wu Yufei, earning a standing ovation from the studio audience and unanimous approval from judges Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Howie Mandel, and Mel B. Cowell remarked the performance was 'nuts, but brilliant,' while Mel B said the robots were 'perfect.'
The appearance comes as U.S. Congress pursues legislation to ban Chinese-made robots over national security concerns. Analysts note a growing disconnect: the American public enthusiastically received the robots on one of the country's most-watched shows (previous season averaged 6 million viewers per episode), while lawmakers seek to restrict their use. Competing for a $1 million prize, Wu and the robots advanced to the next round. The gulf between public admiration and political action underscores the complex relationship with Chinese technology in the U.S.
- Eight Unitree G1 humanoid robots danced with Chinese dancer Wu Yufei on AGT's season premiere
- Performance received standing ovation and unanimous approval from all four judges, including Simon Cowell
- U.S. Congress is actively pursuing a ban on Chinese robots even as public enthusiasm grows
Why It Matters
Shows widening gap between public tech adoption and policy regulation amid U.S.-China tensions