China’s Unitree Robotics to Prioritise Industrial Humanoids Over Household Models
Unitree Robotics will focus on industrial humanoid robots before introducing household models due to safety concerns, according to founder and CEO Wang Xingxing.
Wang stated that household humanoid robots would only be launched after industrial models, as additional safety considerations must be addressed. He did not specify a timeline but indicated that such developments would not occur within the next two to three years.
Unitree gained widespread attention in January when its 1.8-metre-tall H1 robots performed a folk dance during China’s Spring Festival Gala. In February, Wang attended a high-profile business symposium hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The company, based in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, has recently expanded to Shenzhen. A new entity, Shenzhen Tianyi Technology, was registered on 5 March with a capital of 100,000 yuan (USD 13,800). Zhou Changhui, who also represents Unitree’s entities in Beijing and Shanghai, is listed as the legal representative.
Wang noted that both Hangzhou and Shenzhen offer unique advantages and that collaboration between locations would be beneficial. He also expressed optimism that AI advancements would accelerate humanoid robot development.
Unitree recently showcased new capabilities of its 1.3-metre-tall G1 model. In a demonstration last week, the G1 performed kung fu movements, including the carp kip-up and ground sweeping, as well as tai chi. It also became the first humanoid robot to complete a side flip, following Shenzhen-based EngineAI’s PM01, which performed the world’s first robotic front flip in February.
Unitree’s primary customers include Chinese universities, government agencies, and businesses in media, energy, firefighting, and education. According to publicly disclosed orders, the largest university deal occurred earlier this month when Shanghai’s Tongji University purchased 10 Unitree H1-2 robots and accessories for 8.25 million yuan.
Despite its industrial success, Unitree’s robots have struggled with household tasks. A viral video from Chinese influencer Zhang Genyuan showed a Unitree G1 robot clumsily cracking eggs and spilling milk while attempting to assist with cooking.
Meanwhile, competitors are advancing in household robotics. Last week, Shenzhen Dobot introduced the Dobot Atom, which demonstrated the ability to serve breakfast, pour milk, and handle objects. Priced at 199,000 yuan, the model is expected to enter mass production by mid-2025.
Unitree Robotics will prioritise industrial humanoid robots before household models due to safety concerns.
The company gained attention after its H1 robots performed at China’s Spring Festival Gala.
Unitree expanded to Shenzhen with a new entity registered in March.
Source: SCMP