AgiBot A2, a full-size humanoid robot from a Shanghai-based tech firm, walked the red carpet at the 2026 [1] Met Gala in New York City.
The appearance marks the first time an embodied-AI humanoid has debuted at the high-profile fashion event. By blending cutting-edge robotics with haute couture, the moment signals a growing intersection between artificial intelligence and the luxury industry.
The robot appeared as a guest of fashion designer Alexander Wang. Wang said he invited the machine to showcase Chinese embodied-AI technology and create a high-profile moment for the brand [2]. During the event, the robot posed for photographers and navigated the red carpet [3].
Reports on the venue vary, with some citing the Metropolitan Museum of Art and others placing the presentation at The Mark Hotel [4]. Despite some early speculation regarding the robot's attendance, photographic evidence confirmed its presence on the red carpet [5].
The robot's appearance occurred in May 2026 [6]. The event was reported on May 5, 2026 [7], as part of the broader festivities surrounding the gala. The AgiBot A2 represents a significant step in the public visibility of humanoid robotics, moving the technology from laboratory settings to global cultural stages.
“The robot walked the Met Gala red carpet, posed for photographers, and generated buzz.”
The integration of a humanoid robot into the Met Gala suggests that AI is moving beyond digital interfaces into physical, social spaces. By utilizing a luxury fashion event as a platform, the Shanghai-based firm is positioning embodied AI not just as a tool for labor or industry, but as a cultural symbol and a luxury commodity.
