Daily Technology
·19/12/2025
Basketball star Kyrie Irving recently engaged in an unusual "incident" not on the court, but with a small humanoid robot. A video shared by the Dallas Mavericks showed the 4'2" Unitree G1 android demonstrating karate moves before Irving approached and gave it a shove. The robot tumbled backward, lying motionless, much to the amusement of those present.
The Unitree G1, known for its surprising agility and compact size, was performing martial arts moves for the Dallas Mavericks team. Irving, towering over the robot, squared up to it before delivering a shove to its chest. The robot, displaying a somewhat human-like lack of balance, fell onto its back and remained unresponsive. Irving offered a lighthearted apology, "My apologies, I thought I could push him a little harder. My bad." Attempts to help the robot back up were unsuccessful, with its limbs going limp.
The Unitree G1 has gained popularity for its use in various stunts and viral videos, often by influencers. These robots are frequently showcased performing impressive feats, including martial arts. However, this also makes them targets for playful, and sometimes destructive, human interaction. The article notes a previous incident where streamer IShowSpeed allegedly damaged a similar robot, "Jake the Rizzbot," after punching and throwing it. The condition of the Mavericks' robot after Irving's push remains unclear, prompting a humorous comment about "Skynet" remembering the event.
While the scene was met with laughter, the incident highlights the growing interaction between humans and advanced robotics. The durability of these machines under physical stress is a point of interest, especially as they become more integrated into public demonstrations and entertainment. The hope is that the robot is unharmed, not just for its own sake, but for the continued amusement and technological exploration it represents.









