EngineAI CEO Takes a Kick from T800 Robot to Settle CGI Debates

In the increasingly crowded humanoid robotics market, companies usually let the specs speak for themselves. EngineAI, however, prefers to let its robot speak with its feet.

Following a week of intense scrutiny regarding the authenticity of its promotional videos, the Shenzhen-based startup has released a new clip featuring its CEO acting as a human punching bag for the T800 robot. The video, which shows the executive donning protective gear to absorb a full-force kick from the machine, serves as a dramatic—if slightly unhinged—"proof of life" designed to silence critics who claimed the robot’s agility was the product of visual effects.

A Visceral "Proof of Life"

The footage stands in stark contrast to the polished, cinematic reveals typical of the industry. It opens with the CEO being strapped into heavy protective padding, including a chest protector and leg guards, jokingly asking, "Will he survive?" The atmosphere is tense, with the executive admitting, "Why do I feel like this protection isn't comprehensive enough?" before the robot—previously described as an "action movie star" —delivers a powerful side kick to his torso.

The impact is visible. The CEO is knocked backward, laughing nervously and remarking, "Too violent!" after the strike.

This stunt addresses a specific controversy that erupted earlier this week. After EngineAI released behind-the-scenes footage to quell CGI rumors, skeptics remained unconvinced that a robot could maintain such dynamic balance while delivering high-force impacts. By placing a human in the line of fire, EngineAI is demonstrating not just the robot's physical existence, but the functional reality of its control loops—specifically its ability to stabilize itself after transferring significant energy to a target.

High Torque, High Risk

The video highlights the raw power of the T800's actuation system. As detailed in the official unveil specs, the robot utilizes joint actuators capable of 450 N·m of torque. It is this torque density that allows the 75kg machine to perform the explosive jumps and kicks seen in marketing materials, but it also presents a significant safety risk in human-robot interaction (HRI).

While the video is played for laughs—and viral engagement—it underscores a shift in how Chinese robotics firms are marketing their hardware. The T800 is being positioned not just as a tool for logistics, but as a physically robust platform capable of high-impact scenarios. This aligns with the company's "dual-track" strategy of using entertainment to stress-test industrial hardware.

The Road to the Ring

The CEO's sparring session acts as a prelude to EngineAI's upcoming "Robot Boxer" competition, scheduled for December 24th. The company has been teasing a combat-ready T800 for weeks, suggesting that these aggressive displays are part of a calculated roadmap rather than random stunts.

This marketing approach is aggressive, particularly for a robot that has just opened pre-orders at $25,000. By undercutting competitors like Unitree on price while simultaneously demonstrating "superhuman" violence, EngineAI is carving out a niche that blends the novelty of Real Steel with the economic reality of commoditized hardware.

However, the stunt also raises questions about safety standards. While the CEO volunteered for the demonstration, the sight of a 173cm industrial robot kicking a human is a stark departure from the "collaborative and safe" image most humanoid manufacturers try to project. As the company moves toward its goal of mass delivery in June 2026, industry observers will be watching to see if the T800 can operate as safely in a warehouse as it does aggressively in the gym.