HANGZHOU, China – The world of robotics is witnessing a transformative moment as Unitree, a China-based robotics maker, achieves unprecedented global attention with its G1 humanoid robot. Designed to embody joy and companionship, the G1 has become a viral sensation, captivating audiences across continents through high-profile engagements and everyday interactions. This surge in popularity is not merely a fleeting trend; it underscores Unitree’s strategic vision to democratize advanced robotics, a mission further cemented by the introduction of its new, highly accessible R1 humanoid robot.
The G1: A Marvel of Agile Engineering
Standing approximately 1.2 to 1.32 meters tall and weighing around 35 kilograms, the Unitree G1 humanoid robot is a compact yet remarkably powerful machine. Its design prioritizes flexibility and manipulation, boasting an impressive 23 to 43 degrees of freedom. This extensive range of motion enables the G1 to perform a diverse array of complex actions, from dynamic standing and sitting to martial arts, boxing, acrobatic flips, and even traditional dances. The robot is equipped with force-controlled dexterous hands, capable of precise object manipulation, making it adept at tasks requiring fine motor skills such as opening a beverage or even soldering. Advanced sensing technologies, including 3D LiDAR and Intel RealSense depth cameras, provide the G1 with comprehensive environmental perception, allowing for seamless navigation and interaction in varied settings. With a top speed of approximately 2 meters per second, the G1 is both agile and responsive, operating for about two hours on a quick-release battery.
Global Captivation: From Royal Greetings to Viral Stardom
The Unitree G1’s journey to global recognition is marked by a series of trending public appearances that have resonated with millions. One of its most significant moments occurred in Dubai, where the G1 was featured greeting His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, at Union House. This interaction underscored Dubai’s forward-looking vision and commitment to integrating advanced technologies like AI and robotics into public life. The G1 has since become an integral part of the interactive exhibits at Dubai’s Museum of the Future, educating and inspiring visitors about the possibilities of robotics.
Beyond formal engagements, the G1 has achieved widespread viral fame through more informal, yet equally captivating, encounters. In the United States, a Unitree G1 dubbed “Jake the Rizzbot” garnered massive online attention for its amusing interactions with passers-by in cities like Austin, San Francisco, and Venice Beach, even sporting a cowboy hat and dishing out Gen Z slang. Similarly, in Almaty, Kazakhstan, the robot, adorned in traditional Kazakh attire during the Nauryz holiday, warmly greeted residents, shaking hands and posing for photos. The robot also famously performed a traditional Chinese Yangko dance at the 2025 Spring Festival Gala on CCTV, showcasing its cultural adaptability and entertainment potential. These diverse deployments highlight the G1’s remarkable ability to engage, delight, and serve in real-world environments, making it a top story in technological innovation.
Unitree’s Vision: Accessibility and Ecosystem Growth
Unitree Robotics, founded in 2016 by Wang Xingxing, has carved a distinct niche in the global robotics market by prioritizing cost-effective engineering and robust supply chains. The company, already a leader in quadruped robots, with some estimates placing their global market share in that segment at over 60%, is now aggressively expanding its footprint in the humanoid sector. The G1, launched for mass production in August 2024 with a base price of $16,000, represents Unitree’s commitment to making advanced humanoid technology more attainable.
Further accelerating this mission is the introduction of the Unitree R1, a new humanoid robot designed with even greater accessibility in mind. Standing approximately 1.2 meters tall and weighing around 25 kilograms, the R1 is priced at an astonishingly low starting point of approximately $5,900, making it one of the most affordable humanoid robots globally. The R1 is equipped with advanced multimodal AI capabilities, allowing it to process voice commands, engage in conversations, and interpret visual cues, serving as a personal assistant and learning companion. Its customizable appearance and modular design are aimed at lowering barriers for developers, educators, and enthusiasts, thereby fostering a broader robotics ecosystem.
The Future is Now: Impact and Outlook
The widespread acceptance and news coverage of the Unitree G1, alongside the strategic introduction of the R1, signal a pivotal moment for the robotics industry. Unitree’s approach of offering high-performance, yet affordable, robots is challenging traditional market dynamics dominated by higher-priced models. Universities and AI startups are increasingly utilizing Unitree robots for research and development, leveraging their SDK support for cutting-edge AI integration and applications like teleoperation in clinical tasks.
With mass production and delivery underway for the G1, and the R1 poised to make humanoid robotics accessible to an even wider audience, Unitree Robotics is solidifying its position as a key leader in the field. The company’s innovations are not just pushing technological boundaries; they are redefining how humanity interacts with advanced machines, making robots not just tools, but engaging companions that promise to bring both utility and joy into everyday life.
