Under the spotlight, a humanoid robot, measuring 1.32 meters tall and weighing 35 kg, stood poised. Then with remarkable agility, it executed a 360-degree kick. Seconds later, it was knocked down by its opponent, but it swiftly got up—on its own. The robots swung their metallic arms, unleashing jabs, hooks and lunging punches with fluid movement. This isn't a scene from a sci-fi movie, but a routine test at Unitree Robotics in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province in east China.

The company's robots have become stars. On January 28, this year's Chinese New Year's Eve, 16 humanoid robots clad in northeastern Chinese floral-patterned cotton jackets performed the traditional Yangko folk dance, twirling red handkerchiefs on the renowned China Central Television (CCTV) Spring Festival Gala stage. As they did so, Huang Jiawei, Unitree's marketing director, breathed a sigh of relief. Three months of round-the-clock training, tens of thousands of simulation tests, with each rhythmic movement refined to millisecond-precision—all for this five-minute performance.

Hangzhou-based Unitree Robotics has achieved unimaginable growth in just nine years, evolving from producing quadrupedal robots, which mimic the four-legged locomotion of animals, to producing humanoid robots, which are built to resemble the human body. Backed by a complete industrial chain and proactive research institutions, China's robotics industry has gained formidable competitive advantages in recent years.

Since 2017, Unitree has focused on developing high-performance, quadruped and humanoid robots for diverse sectors. These quadruped robots have been widely deployed in agriculture, industry, power inspections and rescue efforts, providing robust support for societal progress. Humanoid robots have transitioned from performers to practical assistants.

Tech in culture

At Unitree's headquarters, Beijing Review reporters met the H1—the star of the 2025 Spring Festival Gala. The performer stands 1.8 meters tall and weighs around 50 kg.

Still wearing its familiar black vest, it appeared mature and steady, forming a striking and amusing contrast with the much smaller, 1.32-meter-tall, G1 beside it. "Director Zhang Yimou suggested that if the H1 performed clothed, audiences might suspect a human was inside. So, for the gala, we removed some of its clothes, revealing its mechanical structure," Huang told us. This was Unitree's second appearance at the annual gala; their quadrupedal robots previously debuted at the 2021 gala to usher in the Year of the Ox.

The H1's "brain" is powered by advanced technologies to achieve remarkable performance. Its high-precision 3D-laser SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) system acts like precise eyes, enabling rapid and accurate self-localization on stage—even during complex dance moves and shifting formations. Meanwhile, multi-agent collaborative planning technology ensures seamless coordination, allowing all 16 robots to move as one cohesive unit and deliver a perfectly synchronized performance.

Evolution in motion

Less than four months after the gala, Unitree's lab has shifted focus dramatically. In a March 2025 video released by the company, a G1 performed a series of martial arts maneuvers smoothly—lying down, standing up, punching, sweeping kicks—prompting viewers to exclaim: "Thrilling!"

The core difference lies in algorithms. "The hardware actually hasn't changed," Huang explained, pointing to the latest G1. Released in May 2024, this G1 offers 23 degrees of freedom (DoF) in its base model, with up to 43 joints in the highest configuration.

In Unitree's showroom, a G1 demonstrated its combat skills for reporters. When suddenly pushed over, more than 20 motors coordinated instantly, adjusting its center of gravity to stand up by itself. "Falling and rising seems simple, but it embodies dynamic balance control technology," Huang noted.

A greater breakthrough lies in force control. Lab tests show that the G1's punches are powerful enough to bruise human skin. This precise force control underpins practical, real-world applications beyond the stage.

"From dancing to boxing, each step showcases our latest technological achievements," Huang stated, adding that this progression is a leap in robotic athletic capability.

In Unitree's product hall, two distinct sizes of robotic dogs illustrate divergent market strategies. The small Go2 circled visitors, suddenly standing on its hind feet to make a heart-shape gesture, eliciting laughter. Priced at just 9,997 yuan ($1,600), this consumer product offers entertainment and companionship.

"General users prioritize value for money and fun," Huang said, demonstrating an app displaying the Go2's LiDAR-scanned environment map—LiDAR being an acronym for "Light Detection and Ranging." Through wireless updates every one to two months, the Go2 unlocks new skills—from handstands to dances.

Beside the "puppy" stood a tough load-bearing 50-kg industrial robotic dog. Its flat design and gears make it suitable for power inspections and tunnel exploration.

"Industrial products must operate 24/7 and achieve IP68 waterproofing," Huang emphasized. IP68 is an example of an IP, or Ingress Protection rating, which is a code that indicates how water and/or dust resistant a piece of tech is. In IP68, the first digit "6" means the device is completely dust-tight. The second digit "8" means the device can withstand continuous immersion in water beyond 1 meter.

Unitree's waterproof tech earned the company the world's first IP68 certification for quadrupedal robots in 2021, and these robots have since become vital in firefighting and disaster relief. "Our robotic dogs scout complex, hazardous, unknown environments first, minimizing human risk."

The foundation

Mastery of core technologies is Unitree's bedrock. From motors and reducers to LiDAR and motion control algorithms, everything is developed in-house. This full-stack integration capability positions Unitree as a global leader in legged robotics.

"Innovation in any tech field starts with dedication," Huang said. Founded in 2016, the company has filed over 200 domestic and international patents, with over 180 granted.

While peers imitated, Unitree pioneered, creating the first low-cost, high-performance quadrupedal solution in 2013, and launching the world's first publicly retailed high-performance quadrupedal robot in 2017.

Unitree thrives in Hangzhou's unique innovation ecosystem. "The city government is a supportive running mate," Huang described the relationship. "At every stage, they ask about our needs and strive to meet them within their capacity."

During explosive growth phases, Hangzhou provided concrete support: talent housing subsidies to ease hiring pressures, assistance in finding office and manufacturing space and guaranteed access to major events. "The government helps unconditionally but never oversteps," Huang remarked. This support lets Unitree focus on innovation.

Breaking development bottlenecks through tech advancement is now the consensus for many private firms. Data show that as of this January, private enterprises accounted for over 92 percent of China's national hi-tech enterprises, surging from 28,000 in 2012 to over 420,000.

The next frontier

On the day of Beijing Review's visit, Unitree's headquarters buzzed with clients. The Spring Festival Gala ripple effect has brought not just brand exposure, but also industry recognition.

Market prospects are electrifying. U.S. investment bank Goldman Sachs projects the global humanoid robot market will reach $38 billion by 2035. Morgan Stanley data have shown that 56 percent of companies involved in humanoid robotics are from China.

"Humanoid robots are just 2-3 years old. We must adhere to long-term thinking," Huang emphasized. "There's undoubtedly a long road ahead—product upgrades, algorithm iterations, intelligent enhancements—all requiring time and refinement."

Huang stated that the future goal for Unitree's G1 is autonomous perception, decision-making and execution in entirely new environments.

From stage to factory floor, from dancing handkerchiefs to combat punches, the evolution of these metallic entities mirrors the ascent of China's tech enterprises, their innovation branching out toward humanity's most pressing needs. BR

Printed edition title: Robotic Rebirth          

Copyedited by Elsbeth van Paridon

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