China’s T800 robot just showed exactly how it plans to end the world, and it starts with a brutal attack on its own creator

Chinese robotics company EngineAI released a video showing its T800 humanoid robot kicking the company’s CEO with full force. This dramatic stunt was meant to prove that the robot’s incredible agility and powerful moves are real, not fake CGI effects. The company decided to use its own boss as a test dummy to shut down critics who doubted the robot’s abilities.

The video is very different from the polished marketing clips we usually see from robotics companies. According to Humanoids Daily, CEO Zhao Tongyang puts on heavy protective gear, including chest and leg pads, and nervously jokes about whether he’ll survive. He admits the protection doesn’t feel like enough right before the 75kg robot delivers a powerful side kick to his chest. The impact knocks him backward, and he laughs nervously, saying “Too violent!”

This wasn’t just a random stunt. Critics had questioned whether a robot could stay balanced while delivering such powerful hits. By putting a human in the robot’s path, EngineAI proved its machine can control itself and stay stable after hitting a target with serious force.

The T800 packs serious power under the hood

The video shows just how much raw power the T800 has. The robot uses joint motors that produce 450 N·m of torque, which is massive. This power lets the 173cm tall robot perform explosive jumps and flying kicks. The machine is built with aviation-grade aluminum panels and has a cooling system in its leg joints, allowing it to work at high intensity for up to four hours straight.

EngineAI’s bold marketing approach is clearly planned out. The company wants the T800 to be seen as more than just a warehouse tool. They’re showing it as a physically tough platform that can handle high-impact situations. This bold move mirrors other tech companies making headlines with their autonomous systems, like Waymo’s response to a police standoff. The CEO’s sparring session is just a warm-up for EngineAI’s “Robot Boxer” competition coming on December 24.

This strategy is especially bold considering the robot’s price. The T800 just opened for pre-orders at $25,000. By charging less than competitors like Unitree while showing off this level of aggressive power, EngineAI is creating a unique position in the market. Some observers compare this pricing strategy to how tech companies design predatory business models, though EngineAI appears to be undercutting rather than overcharging.

However, the stunt raises serious safety concerns. While the CEO volunteered for this demo, seeing an industrial robot kick a human is very different from the “safe and friendly” image most humanoid robot makers try to show. EngineAI plans to start mass deliveries in June 2026. Industry experts will be watching closely to see if the T800 can work safely in warehouses like it performs aggressively in the gym.