REK's human-versus-robot fights: hybrid control, viral reach, California's cease-and-desist

REK, a San Francisco promotion founded by VR entrepreneur Cix Liv, staged fights between humans and Chinese humanoid robots — primarily modified EngineAI T800s and Unitree G1s — using a control system it calls hybrid: pilots operate robots via VR headsets or game controllers, while AI assists with balance and executes trained motion patterns. The arrangement differs from fully autonomous robots and pure remote control.

Frankie LaPenna, a US internet personality with millions of followers, fought a 182 cm, 90 kg modified T800 and smaller machines in a single night. According to the article, LaPenna broke his hand and won the T800 bout after the robot lost balance; he lost to a third robot described as similar to a Unitree H2 after exhaustion. Spectators reported the T800 displayed limited techniques, with some suggesting capabilities were disabled for safety.

REK reported receiving nearly 500 emails from people requesting to fight robots. The promotion also released a fighting simulator called REK Sim that drew 3,670 matches; top players were invited to San Francisco for live bouts. Cix Liv, who has raised $5 million in investment, framed humanoid robot fighting as entertainment rather than autonomous AI competition, and stated the format equalizes male and female operators, gamers and fighting champions, and competitors across nationalities.

California's athletic commission sent a cease-and-desist dated 23 September (matching prior reports) barring unsanctioned contests involving humans. REK disputes the authority to regulate, arguing a match requires two persons, making it a human-versus-human contest with one human operating a robot. The article notes REK has staged 14 fights across nine cities and three countries, and calls itself a future UFC competitor.