California declares human-versus-robot cage match illegal

A cage match held in San Francisco on September 18 involving influencer Frankie LaPenna and several humanoid robots has been declared illegal by the California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA). The DCA issued a cease-and-desist order to Cix Liv, CEO of Robot Entertainment Kombat (REK), stating the event violated state boxing laws.

During the spectacle, which garnered millions of views online, LaPenna faced multiple robots, including a 6-foot-tall, 200-pound machine inspired by the Terminator. The robot was capable of delivering kicks with 850 pounds of force, at one point knocking LaPenna across the ring. Despite the physical intensity and the requirement for LaPenna to sign a liability waiver, the influencer won the bout against the Terminator-style machine after two rounds.

While the event drew significant digital attention, experts and regulators have raised concerns regarding the safety and legality of pitting humans against heavily motorized, remotely controlled systems.