Chinese Robot Goes Viral on TikTok, Bringing Technology and Entertainment to Schoolyards
Dragon Media Newsroom
Students gather in a school courtyard, applauding and laughing as cameras capture the moment. A white humanoid robot dances to the music, moving its arms and legs in rhythm. Some students imitate its moves while others watch in amazement. For a few moments, an ordinary school day turns into a lively mix of technology, entertainment and curiosity.
The humanoid robot, bearing the name of Chinese company Unitree, has been visiting schools across Nepal for dance demonstrations. Videos of its performances have gone viral on TikTok. Clips show students enjoying the robot at schools including Damkada Secondary School, Shanti Namuna Secondary School and Amar Singh Secondary School. In some performances, the robot dances on its own; in others, students and teachers join in.
The videos’ popularity is about more than entertainment. The robot’s movements, balance and coordination with people have sparked curiosity about technology among students and young people. Questions such as “How does it work?”, “How does it follow human movements?” and “Who controls it?” can open the door to learning about science and technology.
A dance demonstration alone is not a robotics lesson. But if schools connect it to discussion and hands-on activities, students can explore how machines move, balance and respond to instructions. Introductory classes in coding, automation and robot-building could build on that interest.
The visits are also bringing China’s technology and innovation to the public in a natural way. The introduction comes not through formal speeches or advertising, but through students’ excitement, dance and direct experience. Students share the videos with family and friends, while TikTok carries the school performances to a wider audience. This can encourage interest in China and strengthen people-to-people connections between Nepal and China.
The next step is to turn that curiosity into sustained learning. Schools, local governments and technology organisations could arrange sessions where students can ask questions, learn how the robots operate and take part in practical activities. The robot performances that have gone viral on TikTok are creating an opportunity to spark students’ interest in technology and introduce them to China’s modern innovations.
