First published 1 September 2026
Brisbane Festival goers will have the opportunity to come face to face with a humanoid robot programmed to take them through an exercise-based wellness routine at South Bank on September 22 and 23.
QUTie, the 130cm tall Unitree G1 robot, will appear courtesy of the QUT Centre for Robotics where it is being used by researchers to better understand human-robot interactions.
Its unique qualities allow it to be coded to mimic human movements ranging from walking and running to dancing and rolling.
QUT roboticist Professor Jonathan Roberts said QUTie had been ‘trained’ with motion capture technology in the movements it will take participants through during the Brisbane Festival.
“Throughout the year, we have been taking QUTie all over Queensland and these excursions are proving invaluable to helping us get a better understanding of how people and robots interact, along with what the community wants of technology in the future,” Professor Roberts said.
“In particular, we are interested in what people think about how humanoids should and should not be used. The reactions have been equally varied and fascinating.
“This is why we are thrilled to have a platform like the Brisbane Festival to showcase QUTie. Every interaction helps guide our research focus.”
QUTie’s role as a fitness instructor extends upon the student work-integrated learning and campus activation of recent years during the Brisbane Festival and is an opportunity to showcase the real-world impact of QUT research, education, creative talent and alumni.
QUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Sheil said QUTie would join a stellar group of university alumni involved with Brisbane Festival in 2026.
“QUT is focused on helping to shape Queensland’s cultural future for generations to come and we are proud to contribute to the talent, ideas and research excellence behind this year’s festival,” Professor Sheil said.
“As a university embedded in the heart of Brisbane, QUT recognises the important role arts and culture play in shaping the character and future of our city. Brisbane Festival is a powerful expression of that creative spirit, and we are proud to support its contribution to Brisbane's cultural life.”
QUT Alumni involved in the city’s flagship cultural event which runs for 23 days from September 4 includes Brisbane Festival CEO Charlie Cush, who completed his Bachelor of Arts (Drama) and Bachelor of Education (Drama, English Literature, Community Cultural Development, Arts Administration) at QUT.
“I know from my own experience how QUT is a breeding ground for creatives so having QUT on board as a partner for the Brisbane Festival is very welcome and apt,” Mr Cush said.
“It’s an exciting, inspiring time to be in Brisbane; our city is abuzz with creativity, and this will only grow as we head towards 2032.”
One of the program highlights, meanwhile, is the premiere of Strong Is the New Pretty, the new play from internationally acclaimed playwright Suzie Miller who obtained her PhD at QUT in 2020 with her thesis ‘The mathematics of longing: Exploring the interface between science and theatre by translating mathematical theorems into a play script’.
Dead Puppet Society, founded by QUT outstanding alumnus David Morton and Nicholas Paine, will be running puppet and sculpture workshops during the festival.
QUTie will appear during Brisbane Festival on September 22 and 23.
QUT is a silver partner of the Brisbane Festival. More information on the Brisbane Festival, including the program is available online.
Main image: Brisbane Festival CEO Charlie Cush, QUTie and Professor Jonathan Roberts on the Goodwill Bridge. Photo: Anthony Weate.
Media contact:
Amanda Weaver
QUT Media
media@qut.edu.au
07 3138 2361 / 0407 585 901 (After Hours)
