SF Fighting Robot Company to Open Gym, Storefront on Van Ness This Summer
San Francisco robotics company Robot Entertainment Kombat (REK) is opening a permanent location at 1415 Van Ness Avenue in Nob Hill, San Francisco, in July. The 6,000-square-foot ground floor will function as a gym and storefront for purchasing, renting, repairing, customizing, and testing REK’s latest humanoid models. Public access will begin in July, with private demos scheduled for June. The company’s founder, Cix Liv, emphasized introducing robots into daily life, aiming for robots to recognize and interact with customers by name. REK’s humanoids, about 4.5 feet tall and weighing 80 pounds, are controlled by humans, including children, in live fighting events resembling boxing matches. Recent incidents involving humanoid robots have raised safety concerns, including a child being slapped by a Unitree robot in China, a human handler being kicked, and a robot causing a crane collapse due to a technical error. REK’s robots are primarily used for entertainment, with the new location intended for hosting demos and events. The company’s expansion into Nob Hill signals growing interest in robotics research and development in San Francisco. REK collaborates with Unitree, China’s leading robotics company, and has partnered with Twitch co-founder Justin Kan and UFC veteran Hyder Amil for VR-controlled robot fights. Future plans include a larger venue for events and potential global expansion. EngineAI, another startup, is developing a humanoid inspired by *The Terminator* franchise for a December 2025 match.
Source: SFist