A human fighter defeated two of three humanoid robots during a recent series of MMA-style cage fights in San Francisco, but the organizers could now face legal trouble if they try to hold another event.
Influencer Frankie LaPenna entered an octagon on September 18 to fight three humanoid robots in separate matches organized by Robot Entertainment Kombat (REK). The robots were remotely controlled by a human operator rather than acting autonomously.
Videos from the event have attracted more than 10 million views on YouTube.
LaPenna Beat His First Two Robot Opponents
Wearing spiked gloves, a helmet, and protective padding, the 5-foot-6, 205-pound LaPenna defeated his first opponent, referred to during the event as the “child robot.”
After the win, he joked, “Clankers zero, humans one.”
His second opponent was a larger humanoid inspired by the Terminator, listed as standing 6 feet tall and weighing 200 pounds, with a claimed kick force of 850 pounds.
The robot landed several hard kicks, including one that sent LaPenna across the mat.
Another impact caused the robot itself to fall, and its head came off. LaPenna eventually took control of the fight and finished standing over the robot’s damaged body.
Third Robot Outlasted Him
LaPenna initially performed well in the final match against a robot resembling the Predator from the film series.
He landed punches and kicks and took the robot to the ground several times.
However, LaPenna eventually became exhausted and asked for the fight to be stopped.
“He doesn’t get tired. He doesn’t stay down,” he said after the match.
Around 100 spectators attended the event.
Robotics Expert Warns Against Fighting Humanoids
Experts have warned that fighting humanoid robots can be extremely dangerous.
Ken Goldberg, a professor who oversees the automation lab at the University of California, Berkeley, said putting a human against a heavily motorized machine is inherently unfair.
He noted that REK’s robots can weigh several hundred pounds and are made of steel.
Goldberg said he understood why audiences enjoyed watching people fight robots, particularly because the events tap into public fear and frustration around the technology, but said the human participant faces much greater physical risk.
The footage also showed that some of the robots occasionally appeared to simply lose their balance and fall over, while their movements were controlled remotely rather than through autonomous split-second decision-making.
California Orders Organizers to Stop
The event has also attracted the attention of regulators.
On September 23, the California State Athletic Commission sent a cease-and-desist order to REK, its CEO Cix Liv, and anyone involved in holding, promoting, advertising, or sponsoring unsanctioned human-versus-humanoid robot cage fights.
The commission said any boxing or mixed martial arts contest, match or exhibition involving a human in California requires its prior approval.
Holding such an event without a state license or permit can constitute a misdemeanor.
A spokesperson for the California Department of Consumer Affairs, which oversees the commission, said the regulator is committed to protecting public safety and the integrity of combat sports.
The agency said unsanctioned events put the physical and financial well-being of participants at risk and would not be tolerated.
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