Backflips, sparring and breakdance: China’s humanoid robots are already intimidating.
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The Asian country showcased the rapid technological advances they are making in human-like bots at the annual Spring Festival Gala earlier this month.
The kung fu-kicking skills on display have sparked fears that humanoids could be the future of global military conflicts – and that the West is falling behind.
Metro has spoken to leading war experts about the role humanoid robots could play in future battlefields or whether they’ll remain a dystopian fantasy.
An AI-generated video of militarily trained humanoid robots has gone viral and added to fears they could be used in global military conflicts – but how accurate is it?
‘A humanoid robot could replace the man with the gun’
Robots are already playing a vital role in modern warfare.
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In Ukraine, remote-controlled vehicles equipped with machine guns have already carried out assaults on Russian forces.
Drones reign the skies and dominate the battle in large parts of the country.
‘This is because robots can do things that are too risky for humans to do,’ says Dr James Pritchett.
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The War Studies Lecturer at Hull University told Metro: ‘In the West, we have become very casualty averse. We don’t like to take risk.
‘Robots are a great alternative to that. You can send a machine to do a person’s job.’
What is different about humanoid robots, compared to the technology already being used, is simple: they have two legs.
This gives them ‘certain advantages’ over other bots.
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Dr Pritchett explained: ‘There are advantages to having legs. You can go upstairs relatively easily. You can navigate certain kinds of rough terrain.
‘Humanoids make sense in a complex urban environment.’
Two-legged humanoid robots could be more effective in complex urban environments (Picture: AP)
Take the looming conflict over Taiwan, which China has threatened to capture for decades.
The war expert speculates that humanoid robots would have an advantage fighting in the dense cities, such as Taipei, that make up the East Asian island.
Machines are also good at speed.
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‘If you are charging across a fire-swept trench system, then a robot might be what you want,’ Dr Pritchett adds.
He continued: ‘If you’re going to control a situation, take territory, keep it and control it, you need to put a man on the scene with a gun.
‘Now, a humanoid robot – if it’s smart enough and if the technology is there – could replace the man on the scene with a gun.’
That is a big if.
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‘Giving a robot fingers is very, very weird’
There are questions about whether human-like bots will make sense in a modern warzone or be advanced enough to do the job.
‘Robots aren’t good at creative adaptivity. AI doesn’t seem to be as good at that as we are,’ said Dr Pritchett, who reckons humanoid military robots are at least several decades away.
‘If you put a robot, even a humanoid one, in a complicated counterinsurgency situation like Afghanistan, it might not be as good as a human being.’
The Hull University lecturer also warns that cheaper ‘AI-controlled tanks’ and simple robots might make a more sensible military investment than ‘expensive’ humanoid ones.
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Peter Spayne, former weapons engineer in the Royal Navy, agreed that visions of humanoid armies were ‘fictional at the moment’.
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The expert on lethal autonomous weapons explained that China’s choreographed displays of their humanoid machines were in ‘very confined and mapped environments’.
He told Metro: ‘Could I ask it to walk down the street with loads of unknown inputs coming in, such as other people, pedestrian traffic, cars and animals?
‘It’d probably trip over quite quickly or walk into a wall and get stuck.’
Although Mr Spayne said that advanced ‘dystopian killer robots’ might be 20 to 30 years away, he doubted they would look like humans.
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He said: ‘Tanks replaced horses, but tanks didn’t look like horses with four legs.
‘So we will absolutely see armies of drones that look like quadcopters, that look like vehicles, that look like aircraft.
‘But we won’t see something that stands six feet tall, on two legs, and walks like a human.
‘To try and give it fingers and dexterity to operate a weapon system designed for a human is very, very weird.’
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He continued: ‘Good engineering says that’s not how you’d do it.’
While the weapons engineer doesn’t envisage humanoid robots on the frontline, that doesn’t mean they won’t play an important part in the future global conflicts.
Humanoid robots dance in formation during a Lunar New Year tech temple fair in Beijing (Picture: AP)
Mr Spayne said: ‘I think they could be a tool in the box for search and rescue, disaster relief, and going into destroyed buildings.
‘The places where something on wheels would probably come unstuck rather quickly, and it’s too dangerous for a person.
‘But you’re not going to have a robotic firefighter making all human firefighters unemployed. They will be used in specialist situations.’
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The race for humanoid robots
What these experts agree on is that China has proven they are ‘ahead of the game on’ humanoid technology.
China accounted for around 90pc of all humanoid robots sold last year and is home to more than 451,000 companies involved in intelligent robotics.
Two of the leading humanoid companies sold a combined 10,000 robots last year, whereas Elon Musk’s Tesla has built just 150 humanoids.
Dr Prtichett said: ‘The West has approached AI a little differently. We are focusing on disembodied AI, like ChatGPT. It could be that we are missing out.
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‘If there is a military role for humanoid robots, then we’re probably behind the curve on it.’
The UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) has also been developing its own robotic systems.
Early last year, they conducted a trial using robot dogs to defuse explosives.
The MoD tested robot dogs that can defuse explosives
In May, they then conducted the largest-ever UK defence AI trial across land, sea and air.
And a month later the forces tested an underwater robot that can prevent threats from sabotaging undersea cables and pipelines
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An MoD spokesperson said: ‘This government has reversed a four-year decline in Armed Forces recruitment, with more personnel now joining than leaving for the first time since 2020.
‘We are driving transformation in our Armed Forces and making the UK the leading edge of innovation in NATO by equipping our forces with the full range of conventional and technological capabilities.
‘AI is already embedded in our military systems including drones, uncrewed surface vessels and autonomous mine-hunting robots and through UK Defence Innovation we’re driving the development of data and AI-powered capabilities.’
Cedarbarn Farm Shop and Cafe, set on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors in Pickering, has been praised by Olive magazine for being a “treasure trove of Yorkshire deli finds”.
It’s also been described as a “go-to spot for foodies” thanks to its array of stock, including artisan treats, its own farm produce, Shepherd’s Purse cheeses, and Whitby Seafish smoked fish, to name a few.
The foodie publisher explained about its latest guide: “Delicatessens are fast becoming go-to destinations for food lovers seeking quality produce, regional specialities or simply a good cup of coffee and a pastry.
“Whether you’re stocking up on pantry essentials, hunting for a prime foodie gift or intrigued by those little luxuries that make cooking more exciting, these independent gems across the UK deliver on flavour, provenance and a sense of community, from historic establishments to neatly curated farm shops and bucolic village nooks.”
Take a look at all of the UK’s top delis via the Olive magazine website.
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Why is this North Yorkshire deli among best in the UK?
Cedarbarn Farm Shop and Cafe on Thornton Road (YO18 7JX) was recently announced as a finalist at the Northern Farmer Awards, as it’s in the running for Food Retailer/Producer of the Year.
Meanwhile, Olive magazine revealed: “A treasure trove of Yorkshire deli finds, Cedarbarn Farm Shop on the outskirts of Pickering is a must-visit.
“This wholesome deli and farm shop is a go-to spot for foodies to stock up on artisan treats, with a considered range of fresh produce grown on its own farm and groceries from some of Yorkshire’s finest suppliers (Shepherd’s Purse cheeses, Whitby Seafish smoked fish and Yorkshire Rapeseed oil, for example).
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“Shelves are lined with Rosebud Preserves jams, local Yorkshire honey, Cartwright & Butler butterscotch crunch biscuits and bottles of Wold Top Brewery ales.”
We recently spotlighted Cedarbarn Farm Shop as it’s been hailed a “hidden gem” by locals – you can read more about that in our previous article.
Additionally, on Google, the best-named foodie spot has a 4.6/5-star rating based on more than 1,600 reviews.
We recently spotlighted Cedarbarn Farm Shop as it’s been hailed a ‘hidden gem’ by locals (Image: Tripadvisor)
A recent customer wrote: “A beautiful shop with luxury provisions.
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“With both a delicatessen and butchers on site.
“Lovely cafe as well.
“A good selection of baked goods.
“Also stocking their own brand jams as well.”
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This guest posted: “Excellent shop, particularly liked the selection and service offered by the butcher – very helpful with selecting the right cut of meat.
“The cafe is delicious as well.
“Highly recommend!”
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Someone else commented: “Really good cafe and farm shop, excellent food, good service and reasonably priced, amazing home-made chutney and great farm shop.”
Do you know about any other delis or farm shops that are a “must-visit” in North Yorkshire? Share your suggestions in the comments below.
US President Donald Trump delivered his State of the Union address at the US Capitol, outlining his administration’s accomplishments and his vision for the year ahead.
During his wide-ranging speech, which lasted 1 hour and 48 minutes, Trump made the case that America had improved under his watch.
The BBC’s Daniel Bush takes a closer look at Trump’s main themes of immigration and the economy – and who he was looking to appeal to with his address.
Dhara Vyas, the chief executive of Energy UK, which represents firms, said: “Today’s reduction in the energy price cap is a welcome first step by the Government toward providing meaningful support for households, helping make it more affordable for people to keep their homes safe, comfortable, and warm.
Snoop Dogg was in attendance for Swansea’s game against Preston (Credits: Alamy Live News.)
The Swansea City co-owner Snoop Dogg was greeted with twirling towels and a guard of honour on his first visit to the Welsh club.
The American rapper, who is a minority owner of the Championship club alongside the television host Martha Stewart and Croatia international Luka Modric, made his first appearance at the Swansea.com Stadium for Tuesday’s clash with Preston.
Snoop joined the Swansea ownership group last July and made his way to south-west Wales after attending the Winter Olympics, where he served as Team USA’s honorary coach as well as a special correspondent for broadcaster NBC.
The celebrity visit had created so much excitement that a sell-out crowd of 20,233 turned up. Snoop Dogg, who had arrived at the stadium nearly three hours before the 7.45pm kick-off, had requested the crowd to be in their seats ahead of the action to twirl the complimentary towels.
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Snoop took to the field through a guard of honour for Snoop made up of 20 youngsters representing Wales at the 2026 Street Child World Cup in North America.
Dressed in the club’s all-white colours, with a Swansea crest on his jacket, dark glasses and a beanie hat, Snoop made a pre-match lap of honour as fans twirled their towels with rock music booming in the background.
The star saluted the fans, shook hands with some, and had photographs taken with others. The club mascot, Cyril the Swan, even got a hug. He eventually disappeared down the tunnel seven minutes later just before a light show started prior to kick-off.
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Snoop Dogg invested in Swansea last summer and is now one of the club’s co-owners (Picture: Getty)
Snoop Dogg watched from the stands as Swansea were held 1-1 by Preston (Picture: Getty)
Swansea boss Vitor Matos revealed Snoop Dogg was ‘really happy’ after watching his side salvage a 1-1 draw.
Liam Cullen cancelled out Daniel Jebbison’s first-half strike in the fifth minute of stoppage time with a fine header.
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Cullen’s goal extended Swansea’s unbeaten home run to nine games and provided some satisfaction for the watching Snoop.
Matos said: ‘After the game he came to the dressing room and spoke with the players.
‘He’s someone that likes to be involved, not only with us but with the (United States) Olympic team as well.
‘He loves sports, loves sports people. He loves the club, loves the city, and wants to be here.
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‘I think that’s all positive and he was really happy because he felt that the team had the right mentality. He felt that the team could push.’
Preston boss Paul Heckingbottom, meanwhile, downplayed the occasion and atmosphere created by Snoop Dogg’s walkabout before kick-off.
Snoop Dogg’s presence helped generate a record crowd at the Swansea.com Stadium (Picture: Getty)
Liam Cullen’s late goal rescued a point for Swansea (Credits: Aled Hopkins/Action Plus/Shutterstock)
Heckingbottom joked that the only difference to other Championship games was the smell of illicit drugs, with Snoop Dogg having built a public persona around his copious marijuana intake.
‘The only thing I noticed different was the smell of weed in the tunnel before the game,’ Heckingbottom quipped.
‘It’s only different for people who are here every week, isn’t it?’ We don’t play at Swansea every week, so it’s no different for us.
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‘We go away to Ipswich the other week, they were at it, their fans were at it, and that was noise all game. I felt we kept everyone quiet here until the end.’
Dr Michael Mosley, a pioneer of intermittent fasting, died while on a walk on the Greek island of Symi in 2024, with his body being discovered four days after he went missing
Matt Jackson Trendswatch Content Editor
08:00, 25 Feb 2026
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The 67-year-old was discovered just over two miles from the private resort where he was staying with his wife Dr Clare Bailey Mosley. He had been missing for four days at that point.
Now his son, Dr Jack Mosley, has disclosed that people frequently stop him in the street to talk about his father’s contributions. This comes as Jack says his father’s efforts helped “tens of thousands of people” shed weight.
Michael, and the work he undertook with Clare, even inspired Jack to become a GP himself. He has now assumed leadership of the Fast800 from his father, reports the Mirror.
He stated: “He’s had a really big impact on me, they both have really, and they were part of my inspiration to become a doctor, because it was something they were so passionate about and I could see how many tens of thousands of people they had helped with their passion for improving the nation’s metabolic health.
“People tell me all the time how much of a difference my dad has made to their lives and really it has dramatically improved their health. In a way it’s almost surprising at times when people say, ‘I’ve lost X amount of weight’.”
Jack is spearheading The Fast 800 Online Programme, which he describes as a “lifestyle programme” that expands on his father’s work. It provides three types of meal plan: the “Very Fast 800”, utilising an 800-calorie plan for weight loss over 12 weeks; the 5:2 intermittent fasting plan; and a long-term Mediterranean diet plan.
The programme also offers exercise guidance through workout plans, incorporating both high-intensity interval training and resistance exercises, as well as educational content explaining the science behind weight loss.
Jack further explained: “The plan was based on a study that found that 800 calories a day for 12 weeks, this rapid weight loss, can reverse their diabetes, which was not thought possible before and if they kept 10kg of weight off, they could keep their diabetes in remission.
“It progressed from there to be this overall lifestyle support system for people who want to have this rapid weight loss and improve their metabolic health but also, there’s people who want to do it more gradually by fasting, like the 5:2, which my dad famously popularised.
“It’s also there to help people with other aspects that we know are so important in your health like exercise, including aerobic, and also mindfulness. It’s this real complete support system and helps provide people with a group of people to do it with who are on the same page.”
The force has published a CCTV image of a man it would like to identify, saying he may have information to support its investigation into the theft.
A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “Please contact us if you recognise the man pictured on CCTV.
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“Email ben.hepworth@northyorkshire.police.uk if you can help.
“Alternatively, you can call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and ask for PC 685 Hepworth or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website.
“Please quote reference 12260016094 when passing on information.”
“I am in urgent contact with Thames Water and am following progress on the repair closely. I expect Thames Water to break their past pattern of behaviour. They must look after those that are flooded and those without water. And they must do it properly: mitigating their suffering, acting fast, and communicating properly.
Rafael Leao played alongside Diogo Jota with Portugal and the AC Milan ace has paid tribute to the man he was and the inspiration he still provides for the national team
AC Milan and Portugal ace Rafael Leao has paid tribute to the man Diogo Jota was and he continues to serve as an inspiration for the national team.
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The striker was tragically killed in the summer, leaving all those associated with him in mourning following the shock news. Jota died while driving through Zamora, Spain, in his Lamborghini when a flat tyre suddenly burst and sent the car veering off the road. His brother also passed away in the incident.
The Portuguese ace, who had only just claimed the Premier League title at Anfield, was loved by his club and international team-mates. Leao revealed that Jota was also a great listening ear and very generous, whilst he also took time out to come and watch him in Milan.
He said in an interview with CBS: “Everyone cared about him. Even if sometimes he was in his corner talking with his wife or kids. But he was a good team-mate and always wanted to help everyone, even me sometimes. Sometimes I used to ask him for a few things and he would also ask me for tickets for his family. To come to AC Milan to watch some games.”
Jota’s funeral in July was an incredibly emotional affair with international team-mates Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Dias Bernardo Silva, Ruben Neves, as well as former Liverpool player Fabinho, Porto president Andre Villas-Boas and Portugal manager Roberto Martinez all present.
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Asked whether his passing would inspire Portugal to go on and win the World Cup, Leao said: “Every game we think about him. Always after a game he was there celebrating and if he could score a goal. And every game we think about him.”
Leao and Jota were part of Portugal’s last World Cup bid, which saw them shocked by Morocco in the last eight in Qatar. They have never claimed the World Cup but have the chance to do so this summer in North America, with Jota’s legacy among their motivating factors.
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In pre-season Leao paid his own tribute to Jota after opening the scoring for Milan against Liverpool. The Portuguese winger made the number 20 with his fingers. It was a subdued celebration from the winger, who was keen to pay his respects to the player.
This season the Liverpool players have had a “Forever 20” emblem – referencing Jota’s retired shirt number – printed on their shirts and stadium jackets for the season. The Portugal star became the first player in Reds’ history to have his number retired in the wake of the tragedy.
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Sally Nugent and Jon Kay delivered the latest headlines on Wednesday’s episode of BBC Breakfast
The hosts of BBC Breakfast announced two tragic deaths on Wednesday (February 25), as guests choked back tears.
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Today’s edition of the hit morning programme was hosted by Sally Nugent and Jon Kay, who delivered the latest headlines from across the UK and around the world.
They were joined in the studio by Carol Kirkwood, who presented regular weather forecasts, while John Watson handled the sports segment. Peter Ruddick was also on screen to present the latest energy price cap figures, as well as discussing the rise of fly tipping.
During the show, Sally and Jon marked the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, before announcing two heartbreaking deaths that were caused by the conflict.
“Thousands of people have died on both sides, both soldiers and civilians. For many of us, the conflict probably feels very far away, but for two Cornish families, it’s very close to home,” Sally said.
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Jon added: “Their sons travelled to Ukraine and were killed by Russian forces.” Footage of the parents was then played, with the grieving families choking back tears as they spoke about their sons.
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Ever since his grand return, Graham has been like a thorn in Kim’s side for a number of reasons. They were previously in a relationship before he faked his death which means Kim more than likely still has some feelings for the man, he also wants to rebuild his connection with Joe Tate (Ned Porteous), who Kim has grown close to in recent months, which means she’s also feeling a bit of jealousy as well.
Kim cares about Joe, and believes Graham is going to break his heart again. It has left her on high alert, as she’s been trying to spy the perfect moment to prove Graham is only back in the village for his own gain.
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Kim thought she spotted this on Monday, when she witnessed Graham having a conversation with Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley). She told Joe, and then suggested he create a plan that would either catch Graham out, or prove his loyalty.
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The test was to sort an inventory featuring items from Butler’s Farm, but Graham didn’t want to create more drama for Cain. He knows the man has cancer now, and actually feels quite sorry for him. Instead, he told Cain what Joe was planning.
Graham returned to Home Farm and confirmed that the machines on the farm aren’t worth a lot, so it would be pointless trying to sell them. It didn’t take long for Joe and Kim to work out that Graham had lied, and Joe was devastated.
Joe opted for the view of ‘I don’t care what you do’ in the aftermath of this, which meant he didn’t outright and forcefully tell Graham to get out of his life. As a result, he stayed at Home Farm today, which irritated Kim more than ever.
Graham knows about Cain’s cancer (Picture: ITV)
Kim thought she was about to see the back of Graham (Picture: ITV)
There was an extremely tense moment in the episode as Graham told Kim that he isn’t leaving, because it’s clear Joe doesn’t want him to. He then got extremely close to Kim’s face, which left her struggling to hold her nerve.
Graham got right under Kim’s skin by saying that he knows exactly how she ticks, and that’s why she wants him to leave. The worried look on Kim’s face suggested that Graham had hit the nail on the head. He knows her extremely well.
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He knows what she likes, but also knows what she doesn’t like, which means he’s at a massive advantage should this war between them ever kick off.
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Is Graham planning on taking everything from Kim? And taking over Home Farm with Joe?
