China’s humanoid sparks debate after becoming first AI robot enrolled in PhD drama program

Shanghai Theatre Academy (STA) has admitted an artificial intelligence robot named Xueba 01 into its four-year PhD program in Drama and Film, as reported by Interesting Engineering.

"Xueba" is a Chinese slang term referring to a top-performing student known for exceptional academic achievements and knowledge, according to the South China Morning Post.

Described as an "AI artist" and a "handsome male adult" by its creators, the robot is scheduled to arrive on campus on Sept. 14 to begin research in traditional Chinese opera. Xueba 01 has been issued a virtual student ID and will study under renowned artist and professor Yang Qingqing.

Yang told China’s Shangguan News that the robot’s curriculum combines artistic and technical disciplines. Xueba 01 will study subjects such as stage performance, scriptwriting, and set design, alongside motion control and language generation. It will attend classes, rehearse operas with other PhD candidates, and complete a final dissertation.

Xueba 01 (right), China's first humanoid robot to be admitted in a PhD program. Photo from X

It is 1.75 meters tall, weighs about 30 kilograms, and can physically interact with people. "When Xueba 01 interacts with his classmates, it is not a cold machine meeting humans, but an aesthetic exchange across species," Yang said.

The robot is designed to socialize, discuss scripts, assist with choreography, and even play calming white noise when classmates are feeling stressed. Yang suggested that Xueba 01 could become an AI opera director at a museum or theater after graduation, or potentially establish a robotic art studio.

However, the robot’s enrollment has sparked concerns among students and observers. "Chinese opera needs rich expressions and a unique voice. Can a robot really make the cut?" one STA student posted on social media. Xueba 01 humorously responded: "If I fail to graduate, my system and data might get downgraded or deleted."

"Professor Yang said if I do not finish my PhD, they will donate me to a museum. That sounds pretty cool too. At least I will be part of art history!"

The announcement has ignited debate across Chinese social media. One user referred to Xueba 01 as "a milestone in human-robot relations," while others questioned whether "algorithm-driven creations can truly move people."Another raised concerns that the robot might be consuming financial support intended for real students, noting that some arts PhD students receive less than 3,000 yuan (US$420) a month.

While robots have long been used as teaching aids or remote-presence avatars, enrollment in university programs remains rare. The American humanoid robot BINA48, created by Hanson Robotics and the Terasem Movement Foundation, became the first robot recognized as a university student in 2017, completing a philosophy course on love at U.S.’s Notre Dame de Namur University.