Kuavo robot torch captured global attention at the 15th National Games torch relay in Shenzhen, China. Additionally, the humanoid robot, developed by Leju Robotics, ran a 100-meter stretch carrying the ceremonial torch. It showcased lifelike motion and advanced robotics.
As the first humanoid torchbearer equipped with 5G-Advanced technology, the Kuavo robot torch completed a smooth handover between the second and third relay legs. Furthermore, it gripped a 1.6-kilogram torch while maintaining steady, human-like posture, attracting crowds and media coverage.
Leju Robotics led the development. In addition, China Mobile, Harbin Institute of Technology, and the Beijing Institute for General Artificial Intelligence provided technical support. Moreover, the team optimized Kuavo’s motion-control algorithm to improve adaptability on complex terrain and enhance disturbance resistance.
Moreover, the 5G-A system allowed operators to control Kuavo in real time. They guided its running, waving, and torch-transfer motions using video feedback from the relay site. Therefore, this integration of low-latency communication with motion-control algorithms demonstrated practical applications of advanced robotics at public events.
The relay occurred across Hong Kong, Macao, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Consequently, this marked the first “three-region linkage, four-city simultaneous transmission” in the Games’ history. Therefore, Kuavo robot torch played a critical role in a complex, multi-city environment.
Industry analysts called the event a milestone for Shenzhen’s embodied-intelligence sector. They highlighted that Kuavo robot torch showed how cutting-edge robotics are moving from laboratories into real-world scenarios.
The robot’s performance relied on three technical breakthroughs: dynamic motion control, load-bearing stability, and remote real-time operation through 5G-A. In addition, these innovations enabled Kuavo to maintain stability while performing rapid, lifelike movements.
Looking ahead, the success of Kuavo robot torch may inspire broader uses in entertainment, security, and public-service robotics. Therefore, Leju Robotics plans to further enhance its algorithms and explore new 5G-A-enabled applications.
Ultimately, the Kuavo robot torch’s debut demonstrates how advanced robotics can integrate seamlessly into cultural and sporting events. Furthermore, it signals a new era of interactive technology in China.

