Human Takes On Robot In First-Ever Cage Fight
Influencer Frankie Lapenna faced off against a 6-foot humanoid robot, enduring a flurry of kicks before ultimately winning the bout, according to the robot's controlling company.
The world has witnessed the first human versus robot boxing match, an event that pits a human influencer against a formidable robotic opponent.
Influencer Frankie Lapenna stepped into a cage last Friday in San Francisco to fight a 6-foot-tall humanoid robot, remotely controlled by the robot fighting company REK. While Lapenna made an effort, the fight saw him on the receiving end of a powerful robotic assault.
Initially, Lapenna landed several punches, causing the robot to stumble. However, the robot retaliated with a series of kicks that sent Lapenna across the cage. REK stated that despite the visual evidence, Lapenna actually won the fight and went on to compete against an even larger robot later that evening.
Cix Liv, CEO of REK, explained that the company's primary business involves staging fights between remote-controlled robots, akin to a real-life version of the movie 'Real Steel.' The human-robot fight emerged when Lapenna approached REK approximately two months prior with the desire to enter the ring himself.
Lapenna initially expressed a wish not to wear protective gear, but REK insisted on it. After witnessing the robot's capabilities, Lapenna requested additional protection. He ultimately wore motorcycle gear and spiked boxing gloves for the fights.
Social media reactions expressed concern, with commenters drawing parallels to science fiction warnings about artificial intelligence and robot combat.
Over the course of the evening, Lapenna faced three robots, beginning with a smaller Unitree G1 before confronting two larger, six-foot robots. These larger robots are adapted versions of the ENGINEAI T800, weighing up to 187 pounds and costing approximately $40,500. While not specifically designed for combat, their powerful limbs provide a robust base for a fighting robot.
According to REK, their large robots can deliver 850 pounds of force with their blows, significantly more than the average adult's kicking force. Liv mentioned that the influencer eventually unbalanced the large robot, causing it to fall and damage its own head.
Liv indicated that the outcome of Lapenna's subsequent fight would be revealed in a future video, cautioning that it did not end as well for the human fighter. Lapenna sustained only a minor self-inflicted hand injury from punching metal and was otherwise unharmed.
REK stated that the event was intended as a one-time stunt, although increased public interest suggests future events may be considered.