Recently, multiple robotics companies, including Magic Atom and Yushu Technology, have successively announced collaborations with China Central Television's Spring Festival Gala. Last year, Yushu Technology's embodied robots appeared on the gala stage to great acclaim. This year, as robots assemble for a group appearance at the gala, the question arises: what can they do besides dancing? The shift from solo to group performances suggests that their presence is more than just entertainment—it reflects technological progress.
Four high-tech companies are participating, each with distinct strengths. Last year's gala featured a creative fusion dance called "YangBOT," where robots and dancers performed a "cyber" yangko dance that was widely praised. For the upcoming gala, Magic Atom, Galaxy General, Yushu Technology, and Songyan Power have all confirmed partnerships with CCTV for the 2026 Spring Festival Gala.
Magic Atom is one of the new participants this year and was among the first to announce its collaboration. The company was formally established in January 2024 with a registered capital of 100 million yuan and is controlled by an individual surnamed Wu. Having completed two rounds of financing, Magic Atom is currently valued at approximately 3.5 billion yuan. Co-founder Gu Shitao recently stated that the company is advancing its IPO plans on an accelerated timeline.
Galaxy General Robot has been designated as the official embodied AI robot for the 2026 gala. Founded in 2023 with a registered capital exceeding 17.56 million yuan, the company is controlled by an individual surnamed Yao. Galaxy General is recognized as one of the leading enterprises in embodied intelligence and has recently raised 2.1 billion yuan, bringing its valuation to around 21 billion yuan.
Yushu Technology is a familiar name at the gala, having participated since the Year of the Ox with its robotic bull "Ben Ben" and gaining widespread attention with the "YangBOT" performance in the Year of the Snake. Established in 2016 with a registered capital of over 360 million yuan, Yushu is controlled by Wang Xingxing. In recent years, the company has achieved global leadership in the shipment of quadruped and humanoid robots, marking a significant step toward mass production.
Songyan Power was the last to announce its gala partnership. Founded in September 2023 with a registered capital of just over 3 million yuan, the company is known for its strong performance in international robotics competitions. It recently launched the industry's first humanoid robot priced below 10,000 yuan, named "Xiao Bumi," making the vision of robots as household members more attainable.
Robots have been part of the Spring Festival Gala for over a decade. In 2012, small robots from Harbin Institute of Technology appeared in a children's program. In 2016, UBTECH ROBOTICS sent 540 Alpha 1S robots to perform alongside singer Sun Nan. The company returned for the 2018, 2019, and 2021 galas, showcasing robotic dogs, humanoid robots, and quadrupeds. In 2021, Yushu's robotic dogs and ABB's industrial robotic arms also participated. In 2024, Siasun Robot contributed eight industrial robots, and in 2025, Yushu's 16 H1 humanoid robots performed in "YangBOT."
This year, robot performances are expected to go beyond singing and dancing. While companies remain tight-lipped about specific acts, Songyan Power has confirmed that program details are still under wraps. Media reports suggest that Magic Atom's participation aims to showcase China's intelligent manufacturing capabilities, offering a "gateway to future life." Galaxy General is expected to demonstrate autonomous decision-making, efficient collaboration, and user-friendly service in complex scenarios. Yushu, making its third appearance, may highlight advancements in motion control, mass production, and real-world applications.
According to analysts, the 2026 gala will focus less on technical spectacle and more on scalable, ecosystem-wide achievements, signaling that robot technology is ready to move from labs into everyday life. Liu Xiangquan, Director of the Robotics Engineering Department at Beijing Information Science and Technology University, noted that robots must demonstrate core technology and practical applications. He suggested that future performances could include household tasks such as cooking or folding clothes.
Participation in the gala represents both a branding opportunity and a stress test for these companies. The 2025 gala reached 16.8 billion viewers domestically alone, making it an unparalleled platform for exposure. Industry experts note that the collective robot showcase not only highlights advances in Chinese smart manufacturing but also provides a global stage for local brands. Xiao Xu, a member of the Capital Enterprise Reform and Development Research Association, stated that multi-brand participation demonstrates China's robust ecosystem and diverse development in embodied intelligence.
Many leading humanoid robot companies and their suppliers are accelerating IPO preparations, indicating sustained growth in the sector. A State Council Development Research Center report predicts that the embodied intelligence market could exceed 10 trillion yuan by 2035.
However, the gala also presents challenges. It raises public awareness but simultaneously raises industry standards—companies must demonstrate system stability, engineering reliability, and organizational capability to earn a spot. After the gala, firms will face practical tests: achieving scalable application scenarios, ensuring mass production and delivery capacity, and forming sustainable business models. Without clear revenue streams and viable cost structures, companies risk capital withdrawal and operational obstacles. The 2026 gala may serve as a starting pistol for the next phase of the humanoid robot industry, where backstage endurance matters more than onstage moments.