Latest news with #WangXingxing
Mint
5 days ago
- Mint
Humanoid robot R1 shows off world's first kip-up, runs, kicks, cartwheel and more under $6,000
A newly released humanoid robot from Unitree Robotics is making waves for its athletic and combat-like abilities while doing world's first kip-up, all for under $6,000, according to New York Post. Dubbed the R1, this 55-pound robot features 26 flexible joints, enabling it to move dynamically. According to Unitree, it is powered by multimodal AI, capable of recognising both voices and images. In a promotional video shared Friday by the China-based robotics company, the R1 is shown running on grass, performing cartwheels and handstands, and even executing spinning kicks and punch combos, actions that resemble martial arts moves. With a price of just 39,900 yuan (around $5,900), the humanoid robot enters the market at a significantly lower cost than most other emerging tech in its class. However, the footage has stirred doubts on internet, with some questioning whether the display is authentic or created using CGI effects. Despite the buzz, some online users voiced a preference for a practical home assistant rather than a robot focused on flips, tricks, and so-called security functions. One of the users said, 'Can it vacuum? Can it run the washing machine? Can it fold clothes? Can it iron? Can it cook?' Another remarked, 'My daughter does gymnastics all day. i don't need a robot for that.' Some internet users joked about the robot's combat skills, humorously asking if it could defend its owner from bullies. Others remained skeptical, questioning whether the marketing footage had been enhanced with AI or computer-generated imagery. While US companies such as Boston Dynamics, known for their Atlas robots, have long led the way in humanoid robotics, a high-functioning human-like robot priced at just $6,000 would represent a significant breakthrough for China in the global race for robotics and artificial intelligence dominance. Unitree, the company behind this innovation, already offers a variety of robotic products, including robotic arms, four-legged machines, and other humanoids, among them, a boxing robot complete with gloves and a helmet. Founded in 2016 by Wang Xingxing, Unitree began gaining broader attention earlier this year. Its CEO joined prominent Chinese tech leaders, including Alibaba's Jack Ma and Tencent's Pony Ma at a summit with President Xi Jinping, elevating the company's national profile. The unveiling of the R1 robot comes just as China prepares to host the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai this weekend. The event will bring together government officials, tech entrepreneurs, and major investors, all highlighting China's push to integrate robotics into daily life from homes and factories to military operations, New York Post reported. Unitree's earlier humanoid model, the G1, which retails for around $16,000, gained popularity in academic and research environments. It features numerous flexible joints, can mimic human hand movement, and is powered by AI that Unitree claims is 'upgrading and evolving every day". At the top of their lineup is the H1, a larger and more advanced humanoid priced over $90,000. Weighing more than 100 pounds, it boasts exceptional speed, strength, mobility, and can traverse complex terrain. The H1 is also equipped with 3D LiDAR sensors and a depth camera for advanced navigation. Given its specifications and performance, the new R1 model enters the market at a surprisingly low price point, positioning it as a potentially game-changing product in the field.
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Business Standard
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
China's Unitree Robotics offers a humanoid robot for under $6,000
The startup, among the frontrunners in Chinese robotics, on Friday announced its R1 bot with a starting price of 39,900 yuan (or $5,900) Bloomberg By Bloomberg News Unitree Robotics is marketing one of the world's first humanoid robots for under $6,000, drastically reducing the entry price for what's expected to grow into a whole wave of versatile AI machines for the workplace and home. The startup, among the frontrunners in Chinese robotics, on Friday announced its R1 bot with a starting price of 39,900 yuan (or $5,900). The machine weighs just 25kg and has 26 joints, the company said in a video posted to WeChat. It's equipped with multimodal artificial intelligence that includes voice and image recognition. The four-figure price tag highlights the ambitions of a new generation of startups trying to leapfrog the US in a groundbreaking technology. Unitree rose to prominence in February after CEO Wang Xingxing joined big names like Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.'s Jack Ma and Tencent Holdings Ltd.'s Pony Ma at a widely publicized summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The new robot's launch coincides with China's biggest AI forum, set to kick off this weekend with star founders, Beijing officials and AI-hungry venture investors converging in Shanghai. The World Artificial Intelligence Conference will bring together many of the key figures expected to drive China's efforts around AI, which is finding a physical expression in the rapid development of more humanoid robots. After decades of dominance by American companies like Boston Dynamics, Chinese companies are pushing ahead with humanoids for factories, households and even military use. Pricing is crucial to their proliferation. Unitree's older G1 robot, which found a home in research labs and schools, was priced at $16,000. A more advanced and larger H1 model goes for $90,000-plus. Rival UBTech Robotics Corp. said recently that it planned a $20,000 humanoid robot that can serve as a household companion this year, seeking to expand beyond factories. If it works as advertised, Unitree's new robot would mark a milestone for the robotics industry, particularly when it comes to complex humanoids. Morgan Stanley Research estimates that the cost of the most-sophisticated humanoid in 2024 was around $200,000.
New York Post
6 days ago
- Business
- New York Post
This humanoid robot can run, cartwheel and fist-fight – and it costs just $6K
The latest humanoid robot on the market can purportedly run across a grassy lawn, do cartwheels and even fist-fight – and it costs less than $6,000. In a promotional video from China's Unitree Robotics on Friday — which provoked skepticism from some on social media whether it was legit or instead a product of CGI — the new R1 robot is seen doing cartwheels and handstands, as well as throwing combination punches and spin-kicking the air. It weighs about 55 pounds, has 26 joints to allow for flexible movement and is equipped with multimodal artificial intelligence, including voice and image recognition, according to Unitree. 3 Unitree's new humanoid R1 robot. Unitree Robotics The humanoid's price tag – just 39,900 yuan, or $5,900 – is drastically lower than the typical entry point for this burgeoning tech market. Some users online, however, said they would rather spend their money on a helpful household robot over one with tumbling tricks and 'security' capabilities. 'Can it vacuum? Can it run the washing machine? Can it fold clothes? Can it iron? Can it cook?' one user wrote in a post on X. Another user wrote: 'My daughter does gymnastics all day. i don't need a robot for that.' Some joked about the robot's fighting capabilities, asking if the humanoid could protect owners from bullies, while others questioned whether AI and computer graphics were used to make the marketing video. US firms, like Boston Dynamics and its Atlas robots, have helped pioneer the humanoid robot market. But an advanced human-like bot for just $6,000, if done successfully, would mark a major milestone for China in the robotics and AI race. 3 The robot has 26 joints to allow for flexible movement. Unitree Robotics Unitree already has several models available, including robotic arms, quadrupeds and other humanoid bots – like a boxing robot complete with gloves and a helmet. The firm, which was founded by Wang Xingxing in 2016, started to gain more recognition earlier this year after its founder and CEO joined big names in tech like Alibaba's Jack Ma and Tencent's Pony Ma at a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Its latest R1 reveal comes as China is prepared to kick off its World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai this weekend, gathering together state officials, tech founders and deep-pocketed investors. Start your day with all you need to know Morning Report delivers the latest news, videos, photos and more. Thanks for signing up! Enter your email address Please provide a valid email address. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Never miss a story. Check out more newsletters Chinese firms have been pushing ahead in the robotics race as they aim to bring robotics into everyday use in households, factories and even the military. Unitree's older G1 humanoid, which has a $16,000 price tag, grew popular for use in research labs and schools. The G1 has dozens of flexible joint motors, can simulate human hands and its technology is accelerated by AI 'upgrading and evolving every day,' according to the Unitree website. Unitree's larger, more advanced humanoid robot H1 sells for more than $90,000. 3 Unitree's R1 robot doing a handstand. Unitree Robotics It weighs more than 100 pounds with the highest levels of speed, power, maneuverability and flexibility, able to walk and run on complex terrain, according to Unitree. The H1 is equipped with a 3D LiDAR and depth camera. For its qualifications, the latest R1 model comes at a shockingly low entry point. Chinese rival UBTech Robotics Corp. is planning a humanoid robot to serve as a household companion, which is expected to have a $20,000 price tag. Morgan Stanley Research estimates that the cost of the most-sophisticated humanoid last year was about $200,000.
Business Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Business Times
China's Unitree offers a humanoid robot for under US$6,000
[HANGZHOU] Unitree Robotics is marketing one of the world's first humanoid robots for under US$6,000, drastically reducing the entry price for what's expected to grow into a whole wave of versatile AI machines for the workplace and home. The startup, among the frontrunners in Chinese robotics, on Friday (Jul 25) announced its R1 bot with a starting price of 39,900 yuan (S$7,131). The machine weighs just 25kg and has 26 joints, the company said in a video posted to WeChat. It is equipped with multimodal artificial intelligence that includes voice and image recognition. The four-figure price tag highlights the ambitions of a new generation of startups trying to leapfrog the US in a groundbreaking technology. Unitree rose to prominence in February after CEO Wang Xingxing joined big names like Alibaba Group Holding's Jack Ma and Tencent Holdings' Pony Ma at a widely publicised summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The new robot's launch coincides with China's biggest AI forum, set to kick off this weekend with star founders, Beijing officials and AI-hungry venture investors converging in Shanghai. The World Artificial Intelligence Conference will bring together many of the key figures expected to drive China's efforts around AI, which is finding a physical expression in the rapid development of more humanoid robots. After decades of dominance by American companies like Boston Dynamics, Chinese companies are pushing ahead with humanoids for factories, households and even military use. Pricing is crucial to their proliferation. Unitree's older G1 robot, which found a home in research labs and schools, was priced at US$16,000. A more advanced and larger H1 model goes for US$90,000-plus. Rival UBTech Robotics said recently that it planned a US$20,000 humanoid robot that can serve as a household companion this year, seeking to expand beyond factories. If it works as advertised, Unitree's new robot would mark a milestone for the robotics industry, particularly when it comes to complex humanoids. Morgan Stanley Research estimates that the cost of the most-sophisticated humanoid in 2024 was around US$200,000. BLOOMBERG
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Unitree Robotics
A humanoid robot from Unitree Robotics during the Global Developer Conference in Shanghai on Feb. 21, 2025. Credit - Hector Retamal—AFP/Getty Images At this year's Spring Festival Gala—China's most-watched broadcast—16 humanoid robots wearing red and white floral jackets took the stage, twirling handkerchiefs as part of a traditional dance. They were manufactured by Unitree, a Chinese robotics company that has gained global attention for its agile open-source robots seen in viral videos mimicking kung fu and tai chi moves. But Unitree products offer more than entertainment. Unitree's Go 2 robot dog—available from just $1,600, compared to Boston Dynamics' $75,000 'Spot'—has been deployed on Ukrainian battlefields and used for disaster relief and property security. One of China's 'six little dragons' revitalizing its tech sector and disrupting the worlds' (the best known of which is DeepSeek), Unitree is expanding across the country to meet demand. Founder Wang Xingxing likes to think big. 'Human beings may be the passers-by of the universe,' he has written, detailing the company's vision, 'but science and technology must be eternal.' Contact us at letters@
