California officials order Robot Entertainment Kombat to cease robot cage fights

The California State Athletic Commission has issued a cease and desist order to Robot Entertainment Kombat (REK), the San Francisco-based company behind human versus humanoid robot cage fights. The order instructs organizers to immediately stop hosting, promoting, or advertising unsanctioned bouts or face misdemeanor charges.

While the commission’s letter focuses on the failure to secure required permits rather than the legality of the robots themselves, the agency cited California business code requiring prior approval for all full-contact martial arts events. This regulatory stance allows the commission to potentially veto such events on a case-by-case basis.

REK’s events feature human pilots using VR headsets and controllers to operate humanoid robots, such as Unitree models or EngineAI’s T800, in real-time combat. The company describes the format as a combat sport focused on embodiment, where pilots attempt to inhabit the machines. Founder Cix Liv has used the regulatory attention to generate social media engagement.