Vu cong va robot khieu vu. Video: SMG Shanghai TV
The opening ceremony of WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 on the evening of 22/9 in Shanghai featured a captivating four-minute joint performance by humans and robots, becoming a highlight of the art program. The event showcased music and dance performances that recreated both traditional and modern culture.
According to Shanghai Observer, the performance included 120 dancers and 20 human-sized robots sharing the stage. Six of these machines performed a waltz with female partners. The robots gracefully extended their hands in invitation, and both human and robotic dancers completed contact movements, including holding hands and embracing at the waist.
Bao So Dong, the performance director, revealed that the artists were initially hesitant to approach the robots. They required time to interact, familiarize themselves, and overcome psychological barriers. The initial distance between the dancers and robots was 8 m, gradually reducing to 6 m, then 2 m, before they moved close enough to hold fingers, touch shoulders, and execute synchronized turns.
Hoang Huy, the general director of the opening ceremony, stated that humanoid robots will one day be an integral part of daily life, serving alongside humans without any perceived threat. The team consciously moved away from concepts like "robots performing martial arts," choosing instead to stage a performance depicting humans and machines interacting gently. This artistic choice aimed to convey a vision of harmonious coexistence in the future.
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Robot cao 1,8 m di chuyen dong bo voi nghe si mua. Anh: Jfdaily
Before their waltz with the human performers, the robots, dressed in costumes similar to the dancers, performed collectively. Both humans and robots then removed their face coverings, revealing their identities. This symbolic unveiling conveyed a message of equal existence, emphasizing that secrets are revealed once external coverings are removed.
The team rehearsed the performance for three months, but the groundwork involved 10 months of research into algorithms and movement execution. Despite experiencing numerous failures, the directing team considered these setbacks valuable for the development process.
WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 marks the 48th international skills competition. This year's theme, "Skills Change the World, Skills Light the Way," aims to foster innovation and cooperation among nations globally, enhance training quality, and prepare the future workforce.
Nhu Anh
