A Chinese company has developed a humanoid robot that can perform a traditional sword dance but the video has left people fearing for the future of humanity
People have been left petrified after footage emerged of a robot brandishing a sword – with remarkable skill.
Robotera’s humanoid machine L7 delivered a jaw-dropping sword routine to mark the Chinese New Year. Footage of its chilling display amassed an enormous 256,000 views, according to What’s The Jam. Chinese firm Robotera, working alongside Tsinghua University to construct the L7, employed a blend of titanium and carbon fibre. The machine boasts 55 independently operating joints to mirror human movement.
A Robotera representative stated: “Celebrate the Lunar New Year with ROBOTERA’s humanoid robot L7 performing a spectacular sword dance. Tradition meets technology in this festive martial arts performance, welcoming the Year of the Horse.”
Whilst the footage aimed to demonstrate the android’s remarkable motor abilities, the 5ft 6in, 65kg machine actually frightened onlookers concerned about automation’s future.
One viewer commented: “So we’re just teaching the Terminators sword fighting too? Cool. Nothing terrifying about that.”
Another added: “I’m in danger.” A third quipped: “Nice knowing you, humanity.” A fourth observer noted: “We’re definitely going to have robot soldiers and police in the future.”
Someone else remarked: “Human end is near.”
A sixth warned: “Mark my words, at some point we will regret this.”
The viral routine was shared on 11 February.
Chinese New Year kicked off on February 17 this year, marking the start of Year of the Fire Horse. Running until March 3, it’s set to be a ‘double‑fire year’ that brings intense, dynamic energy.
Astrologers say the horse symbolises vitality, speed and perseverance, while the fire element adds passion and rapid change.
People born in Horse years (1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026) are said to be confident, hardworking and prone to restlessness.
Chinese New Year is generally regarded as a fortuitous time across the globe, representing new beginnings and a clean slate. This year its arrival aligned with a solar eclipse and a new moon in Aquarius – all indicators suggesting a significant transformation in current patterns.
Speaking to British Vogue, Susan Gu, an acupuncturist and traditional Chinese medicine practitioner at HVN, explained: “In Eastern culture, the horse represents action, freedom, speed and breakthrough. A Horse year isn’t about running the fastest, but about running the longest. The Horse isn’t afraid of slowness. It’s afraid of stillness.”
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