Unitree Robotics, a company known for its quadruped robots, is making waves with its new G1 humanoid, priced at just $16,000. Originally focused on four-legged models like the Go2 and B2, Unitree has now shifted its attention to bipedal robots—and it's paying off.
Released after intense competition from big names like Tesla, Boston Dynamics, and Sanctuary AI, the G1 has impressed with its balance of affordability and performance. While the company’s earlier humanoid prototypes carried a hefty $90,000 price tag, the G1 brings that down significantly while offering more advanced capabilities.
G1's Agile Moves Show It's No Rookie Robot
The G1's abilities go far beyond simple walking. In a recent showcase, Unitree demonstrated its leaping, twisting, hopping, and even dancing prowess. But it's not all about showmanship—the G1 can climb stairs littered with debris, adapt its gait in real time to obstacles, and even jog at up to 2 m/s (4.5 mph (7.24 km/h)). Perhaps most impressively, it maintained balance despite being pushed aggressively by a member of the development team.
Since its debut earlier this year, the G1 has undergone key improvements to prepare it for mass production. Engineers have tweaked both its design and performance, resulting in a sleeker, more efficient robot. While Unitree hasn't yet confirmed that production has begun, the G1 is clearly edging closer to mainstream availability.
Advanced Tech in a Compact Package
Standing 1.32 meters tall and weighing 35 kilograms, the G1 packs serious tech into a compact frame. Its 3D LiDAR and RealSense depth camera are housed behind a visor-like LED-ringed face, allowing it to navigate complex environments with ease. The robot also includes a noise-canceling microphone array for voice command recognition and a 5-watt stereo speaker for clear responses.
The G1's 23 degrees of freedom give it a level of articulation that makes it seem almost lifelike, and its 9,000-mAh battery provides about two hours of operational time. All cables are tucked neatly away to prevent snags and ensure smooth operation.
The Humanoid Race is Heating Up
Unitree’s G1 is entering a rapidly evolving field of humanoid robots, where innovation is advancing at breakneck speed. As the technology continues to improve and prices drop, the future looks bright for general-purpose robots like the G1.
Whether it’s in industry, entertainment, or even personal assistance, the G1’s agility, durability, and competitive pricing are sure to make it a contender in the robotics world.
With an attractive price point and impressive feature set, Unitree's G1 humanoid is more than just a flashy new robot—it's a sign that mass-produced humanoids could soon be a reality.