Humanoid robots were a major attraction at the International Fair of Amsterdam (IFA), with models from the company Unitree drawing large crowds. Among them was the G1, a robot capable of performing complex movements such as kung-fu kicks and engaging in boxing-style matches. These robots had also been a highlight at CES 2026, where they were used to entertain audiences with controlled demonstrations. However, it was later revealed that the robots' movements during these matches were not fully autonomous but were instead guided by human operators using joysticks. The controlled matches, while not violent and without any knockouts, did not always look seamless. In some instances, the robots punched at empty space, and a human had to step in to reposition one robot's head. According to Lena Neubüser, a sales manager at MyBotShop, which sells Unitree's G1 robots, the decision to use remote control during these events was made for safety reasons. The powerful movements of the robots could pose risks, especially with children present at the event. The occasional empty punches by the robots are partly due to the complexity of the control systems required for precise movements. Some actions need more time to process and execute, which can lead to a delay between the command and the actual movement. This can create the appearance of the robot performing actions without a target, even though the operators are trying to guide them accurately. Despite these challenges, the robots continue to be a popular draw at events, showcasing the ongoing development in humanoid robotics.