In a stunning fusion of cutting-edge robotics and cinematic nostalgia, Chinese robotics startup EngineAI has captured global attention with its humanoid robot, PM01, flawlessly recreating the legendary "Axe Gang" dance from the 2004 martial arts comedy Kung Fu Hustle.
The viral video, released on March 16, 2025, showcases the robot’s uncanny precision and agility, blending advanced technology with the swagger-filled choreography of Stephen Chow’s cult classic.
This remarkable feat not only highlights EngineAI’s advancements in humanoid robotics but also serves as a cultural bridge between Hong Kong cinema and the future of artificial intelligence.
A Robotic Tribute to Kung Fu Hustle
Kung Fu Hustle, directed by and starring Stephen Chow, is a beloved action-comedy set in 1940s Shanghai, where the notorious Axe Gang rules the streets with their sharp blades and synchronized dance moves.
The "Axe Gang" dance, performed by sharply dressed gangsters, is one of the film’s most iconic scenes, blending humor, rhythm, and martial arts flair. EngineAI’s PM01 robot, standing at 1.38 meters (4.5 feet) tall and weighing 40 kilograms (88 pounds), nails every step of this choreography with jaw-dropping accuracy, wielding two axes alongside human dancers to recreate the scene’s cinematic magic.
The video, which has garnered millions of views across platforms like YouTube and X, shows the PM01 executing the dance’s intricate movements with fluid precision.
EngineAI’s team spent hours training the robot with professional choreographers, using advanced motion algorithms and a high-tech joint control system to ensure every gesture was perfect.
“Now, we’re back with new actions — this time merging hardcore robotics with Hong Kong cinema nostalgia in a way that’s making engineers and movie fans scream encore,” the company stated in the video’s description.
Skeptics online initially questioned whether the performance was enhanced with CGI or sped-up footage, but EngineAI addressed these doubts by releasing raw, unedited footage. “Doubters said it was sped up? Here’s the unedited one-take raw,” the company posted on X, challenging viewers to inspect the video frame by frame.
The authenticity of the performance has since silenced critics, earning praise for its technical brilliance and cultural resonance.
The Technology Behind the Dance
The PM01 is a compact, scaled-down version of EngineAI’s flagship SE01 humanoid robot, launched in December 2024. Despite its smaller size, the PM01 boasts remarkable agility, powered by a dual-chip system combining NVIDIA Jetson Orin and Intel N97 processors.
Its advanced visual perception, enabled by an Intel RealSense depth camera, allows it to navigate complex environments and execute precise movements.
The robot’s 24 degrees of freedom (DoF), precision joints, and force-control algorithms make it capable of mimicking human-like motions, from dance routines to front flips — a feat it achieved in February 2025, marking it as the first humanoid robot to do so.
EngineAI trains its robots using Nvidia’s Isaac Simulator, employing a “Sim2Real” approach where digital twins learn complex behaviors in a virtual environment before transferring them to physical hardware.
This method, combined with reinforcement learning, allows the PM01 to master intricate patterns and adapt to real-world challenges, such as maintaining balance during dynamic dance moves. The robot’s high-capacity, quick-release battery supports up to two hours of operation, making it suitable for extended performances and practical applications.
Priced at under $14,000, the PM01 undercuts competitors like Unitree’s G1 ($16,000), positioning EngineAI as a key player in the rapidly growing humanoid robotics market, projected to reach $169.8 billion by 2032.
Beyond Entertainment: Real-World Applications
While the "Axe Gang" dance has thrust the PM01 into the spotlight, EngineAI’s ambitions extend far beyond viral entertainment. The robot is currently being tested by Shenzhen’s police department for AI-powered law enforcement tasks, such as patrolling and public engagement.
Its agility and advanced perception make it a candidate for roles in factories, hospitals, and households, where it could handle repetitive or challenging tasks.
EngineAI’s founder, Zhao Tongyang, a former leader in XPENG’s robotics program, predicts that humanoid robots will become commonplace in homes within the next decade, akin to the rise of smartphones in the 2000s.
The dance performance also serves a practical purpose: mastering complex choreography enhances the robot’s ability to understand patterns, improve decision-making, and adapt to unexpected situations. These skills are critical for real-world applications, where robots must navigate dynamic environments and interact with humans seamlessly.
By choosing a culturally significant routine like the "Axe Gang" dance, EngineAI not only showcases its technology but also pays homage to a cinematic gem that resonates deeply in Asia and beyond.
A Cultural and Technological Milestone
The PM01’s performance has sparked widespread enthusiasm, with fans on platforms like Reddit and X calling it “cultured” and joking that the Axe Gang now has robotic recruits. Comments like “This is NOT CGI or sped up 
” and “The notorious Axe Gang has robots now?!” reflect the awe and humor inspired by the video. The performance has also reignited interest in Kung Fu Hustle, with some fans rewatching the film or hoping for a sequel.
EngineAI’s success is part of a broader wave of innovation in China’s robotics sector.
Competitors like Unitree Robotics have also made headlines, with their G1 robot performing kung fu moves and dancing at the 2025 Spring Festival Gala.
As humanoid robots become more integrated into daily life, performances like the PM01’s "Axe Gang" dance offer a glimpse into a future where technology and culture intertwine. For now, EngineAI has achieved a rare feat: making engineers, movie buffs, and casual viewers alike cheer for a robot that dances like a gangster and moves like a master.
Whether it’s patrolling streets or stealing the show, the PM01 is proving that robots can do more than work — they can inspire.
Sources:
- Interesting Engineering
- Wonderful Engineering
- HypeFresh Inc
- Mike Kalil
- Posts on X
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