"We are currently considering programming the 'face-changing' movements into AI robots," revealed Yang Jiming, Deputy General Manager of Sichuan Jincheng Zhichuang Technology Co., Ltd., on Aug. 27. He noted that if software and hardware debugging proceeds smoothly, the public is expected to witness Unitree Robotics' AI humanoid robots performing the Sichuan Opera "face-changing" art during the National Day holiday in October this year.

Performance scenes from "Journey to the Horizon of Ancient Shu" at the Chengdu World Games

On the same day, the formation ceremony for the 2026 tech-enhanced edition of "Science & Art: Journey to the Ancient Shu Horizon" was held at the Sichuan Provincial Sichuan Opera Theatre. Rooted in the ancient and splendid Sanxingdui civilization, the production is a cross-genre street dance "face-changing" show created by the theater in recent years. Having debuted at the Chengdu World Games and toured both domestically and internationally, it blends the unique charm of "Sichuan Opera 'face-changing' + Ancient Shu Civilization + Modern Street Dance". This new ensemble aims to iterate and upgrade the performance version by incorporating AI humanoid robot elements to keep pace with the times.

Scene of the Team Formation Ceremony

Reportedly, the primary challenge in creating the new version lies in integrating complex artistic performance movements into the robot's central processing unit and behavioral system. Yang pointed out that given current robotic joints cannot yet match human flexibility, the team is pursuing a dual approach: focusing on hardware upgrades as a breakthrough while leveraging software technology to enable the robots to master "face-changing" to the greatest extent possible.

Live Performance of "Journey to the Horizon of Ancient Shu

Chang Yi, Secretary of the Party Committee and Director of the Sichuan Provincial Sichuan Opera Theatre, stated that the collaboration between intangible cultural heritage opera and cutting-edge intelligent technology aims to jointly tell the story of the Ancient Shu civilization. Introducing traditional Sichuan Opera to an AI robot matrix and advanced stage technology represents not only a dialogue between ancient and modern civilizations but also an artistic resonance and exploration between humanity and technology. The theater expects this innovation to preserve the essence of Sichuan Opera while showcasing youthful vitality, thereby attracting a wider audience.

【本文部分内容由AI辅助生成，特此声明。The author(s) generated part of the content in this work with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI), which is hereby declared.】