A company that organizes human-versus-robot fights, Robot Entertainment Kombat, has been ordered to cease operations in California following a cease-and-desist order issued on September 30. This order came after a match on September 18 between a humanoid robot and social media influencer Frankie LaPenna. Despite the order, the company's website continues to advertise an upcoming event titled "REK Deathmatch" scheduled for October 9 in San Francisco.
The cease-and-desist letter, addressed to CEO Cix Liv and others, stated that the company must stop holding or promoting any boxing or mixed martial arts contests involving humans in California without prior approval from the State Athletic Commission. The letter also noted that engaging in such promotions requires a license under California Business and Professions Code section 18640.
Attempts to contact the California Department of Public Affairs for clarification regarding the October 9 event went unanswered, and Robot Entertainment Kombat did not respond to requests for comment.
The September 18 exhibition featured LaPenna competing against three different robots. In a video posted on his YouTube channel, LaPenna expressed nervousness before the match, which included a 200-pound humanoid robot capable of delivering kicks with significant force. LaPenna won two out of three matchups, with the second fight against the "Terminator" robot drawing notable reactions from the audience due to the robot's powerful kick.
Robot Entertainment Kombat describes itself as "'Real Steel' IRL" and has events planned in multiple U.S. cities as well as internationally. The company has hosted six events in San Francisco and has plans for additional matches in other California cities. The legality of human-versus-robot fights remains unclear, as California and federal law do not explicitly prohibit them, but the state requires approval and licensing for combat sports.
Liv stated on social media that he had contacted state regulators before organizing the events and was informed that the fights were illegal, despite there being no specific law against them. He argued that the law defines a boxing match as involving "two persons."