Basketball can enable humanoid robots to perform more complex tasks

Training humanoid robots to play basketball could help improve their mobility, coordination and hand dexterity, enabling them to perform more complex tasks in everyday life, according to Wang Xingxing, founder of Chinese robotics company Unitree.

Wang made the remarks during a discussion with Chinese basketball legend Yao Ming, founder of the Yao Foundation, at the 2026 World Physical AI Conference in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on Thursday.

He said robots must first master basic movements such as walking and running before they can take on more demanding tasks.

Basketball presents a particular challenge because players must run, change direction and maintain precise control of the ball, requiring both full-body coordination and fine hand movements.

While humanoid robots can already perform complex body movements, their fingers remain less agile, limiting their ability to handle a basketball effectively.

Wang said that if robots eventually master basketball, the skills they acquire could be applied to other tasks requiring precise and coordinated movements.