Over the next four years, I will earn a degree in digital performance design in stage design.
The program, launched by STA and Shanghai University of Science and Technology (USST), aims to develop experimental training methods for new generations of embodied agents, highlighting multimodal interactions, artistic expression, and cognitive growth.
Xueba 01 systematically learns the basic movements, everyday and performance techniques of traditional Chinese operas throughout the four-year program.
The USST team handles technical training and basic knowledge, while the STA team develops artistic performance.
The robot is an optimized version of Xingzhe No. 2, and this year it finished third in the Humanoid Robot Half Marathon in Beijing.
The robot incorporates world-leading, ultra-lightweight, tendon-based bionic structures and human-like facial technology. It can make delicate movements and perform real-time interactions with over 100 realistic representations, he said.
Li explained that even under high-intensity conditions, the robot can flexibly adjust its height and appearance, allowing it to run continuously for more than six hours. It also allows you to adjust your performance in real time based on audience feedback, providing a near-unlimited performance style.
“At this stage, Xueba 01 can 'sing' the works of Henan Opera, Shanghai Opera and Peking Opera, but the movements still lack smoothness and aesthetic appeal. We tried to learn from professional performers,” he said.
In the future, robots can learn directly from video footage, which will help provide richer data and produce more natural performance, he said.
STA President Huang Changyong noted that the core mission of robots is to explore the intersection of art and technology, especially when investigating ways to integrate traditional Chinese art forms with AI.
“Our education model integrates technical refinement with humanitarian inspiration,” said Yang Qingqing, professor at STA and another co-director of Xueba 01.
“Technically, we're working with the USST team to improve the performance of our robots,” she said. “On the humanitarian side, we focus more on discussion and inspiration.”
“For example, I might explain the background, motivations, and emotional layers of a character to Xueba 01. I will use language processing techniques to interpret my guidance and generate corresponding performance suggestions.”
Yang emphasized that the initiative provides valuable insight into Chinese art education, breaking down disciplinary barriers and highlighting the need for contemporary artists to combine technical literacy and interdisciplinary thinking with traditional skills and humanitarian knowledge.
She highlighted the role of projects to digitally preserve and innovate theatrical arts by using advanced technology to protect and promote cultural heritage such as Chinese opera.
“Technology serves as both a new media and a creative partner in the arts,” she said.
Previously, it was reported that the 2025 World Humanoid Robot Game was played in China.
