From computer programmers to lawyers, several jobs are already at risk of being taken by artificial intelligence (AI).
Now, it seems not even cage fighters are safe from the robot takeover.
Shocking footage has emerged from China, showing two humanoids battling it out in a mixed martial arts (MMA) fight.
The fight took place in Shenzhen last week, and saw two robots go head–to–head in a cage as hundreds of spectators looked on.
In one particularly shocking moment, one of the robots had its head kicked off entirely – yet continued to fight.
Taking to Reddit, one viewer said: ‘Finally we have Real Steel,’ in comparison to the 2011 blockbuster.
Another warned: ‘We’re training the next generation lifeform on Earth how to defeat us. Poetic.’
Elon Musk even joined in on the fun, sharing a video of the fight on X and joking: ‘Robot fights are fun.’
Shocking footage has emerged from China , showing two humanoids battling it out in a mixed martial arts (MMA) fight
The fight took place as part of the Ultimate Robot Knock–out Legend (URKL) event at Shenzhen’s Nanshan Cultural Sports Centre.
This competition – dubbed the ‘robot version of the UFC’ – features 32 competitors from more than countries.
These teams have been whittled down from 200, and include the likes of Stanford University, the University of Hong Kong and Zhejiang University.
‘The competition adopts a comprehensive multi–stage tournament structure consisting of a Qualifying Stage, Group Stage, and Double–Elimination Finals,’ EngineAI, the organiser of the competition, explains on its website.
‘The tournament is designed to comprehensively evaluate teams across simulation algorithms, on–site hardware deployment, and autonomous humanoid robot combat performance.’
The teams all use EngineAI’s T800 – a full–size humanoid robot that retails for up to $85,000.
According to the South China Morning Post, the prize for the winning team will be a belt made from 10kg of pure gold, worth up to 10 million yuan (£1.09 million).
So far, several fights have taken place, but the one that has really stirred up interest on social media was between team Bullfighter and White Eagle.
So far, several fights have taken place, but the one that has really stirred up interest on social media was between team Bullfighter and White Eagle
The teams all use EngineAI’s T800 – a full–size humanoid robot that retails for up to $85,000
Shortly after stepping into the specially designed hexagonal cage, the White Eagle robot delivered a devastating kick to its opponents head, decapitating it entirely.
Amazingly, Bullfighter’s bot continued to fight completely headless – and even managed to bag a 3–2 win.
Many viewers were left impressed by the robots’ fighting abilities.
‘I would love to see the part of the code for dealing with a situation where your head is suddenly gone,’ one fan joked on Reddit.
Another added: ‘Imagine a future where there’s a massive dome filled with robots sponsored by different companies, fighting in a giant Battle Royale–style arena. Robots equipped with flamethrowers, machine guns, and all kinds of crazy weapons. I’d definitely pay to watch that.’
And one joked: ‘I like how the robot keeps going with his head detached. Robotic voice: “’tis but a scratch.’
However, others have raised concerns that the fighting robots could be a glimpse into our future.
One said: ‘I don’t think that is a good idea. Please just teach em to fold laundry and do dishes.’
Another asked: ‘Is this what causes them to eventually rise up against us?’
And one ominously said: ‘The future keeps arriving much faster than I imagined.’
This isn’t the first time a humanoid robot has raised eyebrows in recent months.
Earlier this year, a humanoid hit the headlines after slapping a child across the face during an out–of–control dance show in China.
Over in California, a bot went berserk at a restaurant, with desperate staff filmed trying to drag it away from customers.
Meanwhile, a humanoid was even detained by police in China after terrifying an elderly woman.
