Leju’s Humanoid Robot Makes History: Torchbearer at China’s 15th National Games
A Landmark Moment in Robotics
On November 3, 2025, Leju Robot’s humanoid, Kuavo, achieved a historic milestone by participating as a special torchbearer in the 15th National Games of China. The robot completed a 100-meter segment of the relay in Shenzhen, gripping a 1.6-kilogram torch with lifelike posture and smooth, steady motion. While Kuavo did not light the main cauldron—which is scheduled for November 9—it symbolized a major leap for the embodied intelligence industry in China, merging advanced robotics with a nationally celebrated sporting event.
Advanced Technology Behind the Feat
Kuavo’s performance relied on dynamic motion control, load-bearing stability, and 5G-Advanced (5G-A) remote control, allowing operators to guide the robot in real time. The integration of low-latency 5G-A video feedback ensured that every motion, from running to waving, was precise and synchronized. Leju Robot developed the humanoid independently, collaborating with partners such as China Mobile, Harbin Institute of Technology, and the Beijing Institute for General Artificial Intelligence. This demonstration marked a shift of humanoid robots from lab experiments into real-world public events.
Strategic Significance and Industry Impact
The debut coincided with a $207 million pre-IPO funding round for Leju Robot, aimed at scaling production and technological development of Kuavo. Analysts view the event as a signal of confidence in China’s robotics sector, supported by government investments of nearly $140 billion into high-tech industries, including humanoid robotics. The relay also highlighted the human-robot collaboration, featuring 200 torchbearers from Hong Kong, Macao, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, emphasizing that advanced robotics can integrate seamlessly into communal and cultural events.
Moving Toward a High-Tech Future
Kuavo’s appearance demonstrates the practical applications of AI Employees and Non-Human Workers in public spaces, while the advanced motion and control systems hint at future Voice AI Agents and robotics deployments. The event symbolized a broader national effort to merge technology, culture, and public engagement, showcasing that robotics is not just a technical curiosity but a visible part of society’s evolution toward high-tech solutions.
Key Highlights:
• November 3, 2025: Kuavo humanoid robot carried torch in Shenzhen segment of China’s 15th National Games.
• First humanoid torchbearer equipped with 5G-Advanced technology.
• Robot operated via remote real-time control, demonstrating lifelike running and torch handling.
• Leju Robot secured $207 million pre-IPO funding weeks before the event.
• Marks a milestone for embodied intelligence and humanoid robotics in China.
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