Unitree Robots Walk Milan Runway Amid Craftsmanship Debate
Humanoid machines joined celebrities at Vogue World Milano, sparking debate on whether AI replaces or supports artisanal fashion.
Key points
- Four Unitree humanoid robots walked the runway at Vogue World Milano on September 22, 2026, during the "Age of Intelligence" act.
- Critics argued the robots were an empty tech display that detracted from the celebration of Italian craftsmanship and human skill.
- Vogue defended the move as a representation of the current era, noting the show also featured responsive sustainable materials.
Four Unitree humanoid robots walked the runway at Vogue World Milano on September 22, 2026. The event took place in the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This marked the fifth edition of the fashion show.
The robots appeared during a segment titled "The Age of Intelligence." They moved, gestured, and waved to the audience. This moment highlighted the intersection of high fashion and emerging robotics technology.
Robots entered the fashion stage
The show featured five thematic parts. The final act focused on the future of intelligence. Unitree, a Chinese robotics company, provided the machines for this segment. The robots were not dressed in garments.
Instead, they acted as performers alongside human models. They walked down the catwalk and interacted with the crowd. This display aimed to show how technology fits into modern fashion presentations.
Critics questioned the artistic value
Reactions to the robot segment were mixed. Some outlets viewed the robots as an empty tech display. They argued that the machines distracted from the core theme of Italian craftsmanship.
Cosmopolitan described the moment as awkward. It suggested the robots felt out of place in a show celebrating human skill. The criticism centered on the perceived lack of artistic contribution from the machines.
Supporters saw a thematic link
Vogue defended the inclusion of robots. Creative director Juan Costa Paz stated they represented the current era. He described this period as the beginning of robotics in fashion.
The show also featured sustainable materials. These fabrics could respond to temperature and movement. This blend of tradition and innovation defined the event's narrative.
