The Frankie LaPenna robot fight put the internet personality inside a cage with a remotely operated EngineAI T800 humanoid. This occurred during a REK event in San Francisco on September 18.
Video released by REK shows LaPenna landing several punches before the humanoid responds with punches and kicks. This includes strikes that send him backwards across the enclosure. REK described the exhibition as its first “Human VS Terminator robot fight.”
The “first” designation is an organiser claim and has not been independently established as a global robotics record. No official competition winner was declared in reporting on the exhibition.
We just made history with the first Human VS Terminator robot fight.
Frankie LaPenna gave it his all 🥊 More fight footage coming soon! pic.twitter.com/iADpv9d8Wg
— REK (@REK) September 20, 2026Despite its appearance, the robot was not autonomously choosing how to attack LaPenna. Instead, REK’s humanoids are controlled in real time by human pilots using virtual-reality headsets or game controllers. Meanwhile, trained AI systems help maintain the machines’ balance.
The machine used in the exhibition was identified as an EngineAI T800. EngineAI lists the standard T800 at 173cm tall and weighing between 75kg and 85kg depending on configuration. Additionally, it has maximum joint torque of up to 450 N·m.
Read: AI-Powered Home Takes Centre Stage at IFA 2026 in Berlin
REK has previously staged humanoid-versus-humanoid contests in which pilots remotely control physical robots. Its events have included competitions in San Francisco and Tokyo. Moreover, its simulator is designed to train users for real-world robot piloting.
REK said it would release additional footage from the LaPenna exhibition after the initial clips circulated online.
