Henan AI Gala Draws 40% Ad Backlash

🔑 Key Takeaways

• •Henan TV's 2026 Spring Festival Gala was the first to apply AI on a large scale, using AI-generated content to replace traditional CG elements, complemented by physical sets, for pre-filmed cinematic segments without hosts or a physical stage[1].
• •The gala featured heavy AI integration in visuals and production, including AI-generated storyboards, enhancing visual richness while reducing costs and production time, but faced backlash for 40% ad saturation from sponsors like Qianwen[1].
• •Trend of AI and robotics in provincial galas: Multiple 2026 galas sponsored by AI firms like Baidu and Doubao, with Henan incorporating XR murals and AI overlays that created an uncanny feel and disrupted performances[1].

🛠️ Technical Deep Dive

• •AI replaced CG with generated content and storyboards, integrated with physical sets for virtual scenes and XR murals[1].
• •Unitree G1/H2 robots in kung fu performance: Fully autonomous cluster control with AI-based positioning using sensor/lidar data for real-time adjustments during jumps, turns, and synchronized martial arts[3][4].
• •Galaxy General's 'Xiaogai' robot used end-to-end embodied large model for autonomous on-site actions without pre-programming[2].
• •Songyan Power robots (Bumi, N2, E1, biomimetic humanoid) performed flips, handsprings, and actor interactions[2].
• •Magic Atom's Z1/Gen1 robots executed Thomas rotations, kick moon legs, group control of 100+ biomimetic robots, and real-world tasks like noodle preparation/delivery[2].

🔮 Future ImplicationsAI analysis grounded in cited sources

⏳ Timeline