While China's men's soccer team hasn't generated much excitement in recent years, humanoid robot teams have won over fans in Beijing based more on the AI technology involved than any athletic prowess shown.

The Robo League robot football (soccer) tournament is the first-ever fully autonomous tournament held in China, as per a report by Global Times. Each team fielded three players plus one substitute, with the contest divided into two 10‑minute halves and a 5‑minute intermission.

The robots are able to stand up on their own after falling, although during a match some did have to be carried off the field on stretchers.