# Robotics startup REK halted after California issues cease‑and‑desist

> The California State Athletic Commission ordered REK to stop unsanctioned human‑vs‑robot cage matches, calling the events illegal without a license.

Oossa · 2026-10-04 · https://oossa.com/en/robotics-startup-rek-halted-after-california-issues-cease-and-desist

Robotics startup REK held a human‑vs‑robot fight in San Francisco. Founder and CEO Cix Liv posted the state’s cease‑and‑desist letter on social media. The California State Athletic Commission said the company must stop holding, promoting, or sponsoring the bouts, and warned that organizing them without a license is a misdemeanor. The order was shared publicly after the video of the match went viral.

## The facts

- Company: REK; Founder/CEO: Cix Liv
- Regulator: California State Athletic Commission issued a cease‑and‑desist, labeling unlicensed fights a misdemeanor

## Why it matters

The ruling makes it clear that future human‑vs‑robot events in California will need official sanction, limiting similar stunt shows.

## Sources & references

1. [Robotics startup has real human vs. robot cage match, California responds with cease-and-desist order](https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/robotics/robotics-startup-has-real-human-vs-robot-cage-match-california-responds-with-cease-and-desist-order-regulator-threatens-misdemeanor-charges-after-youtuber-fights-three-robotic-humanoids) – Tom's Hardware, 2026-10-04

Last updated: 2026-10-04