California regulators issue cease and desist to Rek robot combat startup

The California State Athletic Commission has issued a cease and desist letter to Rek, a technology startup, following a viral combat event between a human and a humanoid robot. The commission stated that future matches involving human participants cannot proceed without official state authorization.

The event, which took place on September 18, featured human fighter Frankie LaPenna facing off against a humanoid robot. While the machine appeared autonomous, it was actually being operated by a human pilot using a remote virtual reality system. The robot, which utilized a head design reminiscent of the Terminator, appears to be an EngineAI model modified for the spectacle.

Rek describes itself as a humanoid robot fighting league. Because the commission regulates combat sports such as boxing and MMA, they have asserted jurisdiction over the event due to its commercial nature and the involvement of a human combatant. The regulatory action comes approximately one month after the match gained significant online attention.