In a demonstration that looks straight out of a science fiction film, a Chinese robotics startup has captured global attention by having its humanoid robot deliver a powerful kick to its own CEO.
EngineAi, a Shenzhen-based company founded just two years ago in 2023, recently unveiled footage of its T800 humanoid robot sending company founder Zhao Tongyang flying backward with a precisely executed strike.
75kg class head-on brawl! EngineAI T800 kicks the boss: Is this kick personal?#EngineAI #robotics #newtechnology #newproduct pic.twitter.com/UCRrP0qBaz
— EngineAI (@engineairobot) December 6, 2025
The CEO, wisely protected by thick padding, took the hit head-on while the robot maintained perfect balance throughout the maneuver.
“Without protective gear, no one could withstand it,” Tongyang warned after the demonstration. “Anyone would break a bone.”
The dramatic showcase was anything but spontaneous. EngineAi had been fielding accusations that earlier videos of the T800 performing rapid martial arts movements were computer-generated imagery. To prove the robot’s capabilities were genuine, the company released multi-angle footage of the CEO willingly becoming a test subject.
Tongyang, who is still in his mid-30s, brings substantial credentials to EngineAi. Before launching his own venture, he worked on Xpeng’s IRON humanoid robot project, giving him insider experience with advanced robotics development. Under his leadership, the startup has emerged as a notable player in China’s competitive technology sector.
The T800 designation carries obvious cultural weight, sharing its name with the menacing machines from the Terminator film series. That reference point hasn’t been lost on observers who are watching humanoid robotics advance at an increasingly rapid pace.
According to industry tracker Humanoidsdaily, this CEO demonstration serves as a preview for EngineAI’s “Robot Boxer” showcase scheduled for December 24. The company has been strategically releasing teasers for weeks, suggesting these intense demonstrations are part of a carefully orchestrated product launch rather than isolated stunts.
The T800 is positioned as a commercial product, with EngineAi setting a price point of $25,000 per unit. The company has committed to beginning shipments no later than June 2, 2026, giving potential buyers a clear timeline for when they might receive their own humanoid robot.
The demonstration has sparked renewed conversations about the trajectory of artificial intelligence and robotics.
For those keeping track of pop culture parallels, the joke circulating online is clear: if EngineAi ever announces a liquid-metal T1000 model, it might be time to start worrying about more than just product demonstrations.