Humanity's First Robot Boxing Match Ends With Human Defeated
Influencer Frankie Lapenna stepped into the ring against a 6-foot humanoid robot in San Francisco, in an event hosted by robot fighting company REK.
The world has witnessed the first human versus robot boxing match, an event that took place last Friday in San Francisco. Influencer Frankie Lapenna entered the ring against a 6-foot-tall humanoid robot, controlled remotely by the robot fighting company REK.
The Bout
The fight began with Lapenna landing several punches that visibly rocked the robot. However, the tide turned when the robot retaliated with a series of kicks that sent Lapenna across the cage. Despite the dramatic visuals, REK stated that Lapenna ultimately won the fight and proceeded to face an even larger robot later that evening.
Genesis of the Fight
Cix Liv, CEO of REK, explained that human versus robot fights were not the company's original focus. REK's primary business involves staging fights between remote-controlled robots, similar to the concept in the film "Real Steel." However, when Lapenna approached REK about participating in a fight himself about two months prior, the opportunity was pursued.
Lapenna initially expressed a desire to fight without protective gear, but the company insisted on him wearing it. After witnessing the robot's capabilities, Lapenna requested additional protection. For the bouts, he wore motorcycle gear and spiked boxing gloves.
Robot Capabilities
The larger robots used in the event 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 robotic fighting. REK stated that its large robots deliver about 850 pounds of force with their blows, significantly more than the average adult's kicking force of around 650 pounds.
Aftermath and Future
According to REK, Lapenna managed to unbalance the robot in one bout, causing it to fall and damage its own head. Liv indicated that the results of Lapenna's subsequent fight against another bot would be released in a future video, cautioning that it did not end as favorably for the human fighter. Lapenna sustained only a minor hand injury from punching metal and was otherwise unharmed.
REK described the human versus robot fight as a "stunt" and had not initially planned for it to be a long-term endeavor. However, with significant public interest and numerous individuals expressing a desire to participate, Liv suggested that the company might host such events again.