Chinese robotics startup EngineAI has taken an unusual step to silence critics questioning whether its new T800 humanoid robot is real. After early demo clips sparked claims that the machine’s movements were computer generated, the company published a new video showing the robot kicking its CEO to the ground.
In the footage, founder Zhao Tongyang wears protective padding as the robot executes a controlled strike that sends him off balance. The video is filmed under regular studio lighting, without cinematic effects, and angles were selected to make robotic motion visible without obscuring details.
The move follows intense online debate over the authenticity of earlier promotional clips. The debut video showed the T800 smashing through doors and performing flying kicks, prompting social media speculation that the dramatic sequences were animated. EngineAI insisted nothing was digitally enhanced, but skepticism continued to spread.
To counter that narrative, the company released behind-the-scenes recordings labeled as proof that “what you saw is physical.” The response has been split. Some viewers applauded the transparency, while others argued that a staged kick does little to prove full autonomy.
The T800 sits in a field defined by Tesla’s Optimus, Boston Dynamics’ Atlas legacy platform, and Figure 01. Unlike competitors, which emphasize factory support, warehouse handling, or human-safe utility tasks, EngineAI is leaning into spectacle. The company has already teased a “Robot Boxer” showcase scheduled for December 24, positioning the T800 as both a research system and an entertainment draw.
Technically, the robot stands 173 centimeters tall, weighs around 75 kilograms, and features 29 degrees of freedom, along with articulated hands. Its chassis uses aviation-grade aluminum and includes an active cooling system for legs, allowing continuous high-load movement. EngineAI says battery swaps can be completed quickly, supporting long operational cycles.
For perception, the T800 integrates 360 degree LiDAR, stereo imaging, and rapid navigation processing. Its joint motors can deliver more than 400 Nm of torque, enabling rapid direction changes and high-impact motion. The robot’s processing stack combines an Intel N-series controller with an NVIDIA AGX Orin module, which supports custom models and application-level development.
Whether the publicity stunt builds credibility remains to be seen. The company’s choice to turn skepticism into showmanship reflects rising competition in humanoid robotics, where performance claims increasingly require visual evidence rather than specification sheets.
