Fanfare Over Unitree’s G1 Shows Growing Interest in Chinese Robotics
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A humanoid robot G1 with Invelon's logo performs at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, March 5. Photo: VCG
(Barcelona, Spain) — A Chinese-made humanoid robot took center stage at this week’s Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, reflecting growing interest in the robotics technology coming out of China.
The robot bore the logo of the Spanish company Invelon Technologies, but was actually produced by Hangzhou-based startup Unitree Robotics, which rose to prominence in January after about a dozen of its humanoid robots danced a jig on national TV at the Spring Festival Gala, one of the most-watched shows in the country.
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- A Chinese-made humanoid robot, the G1 from Unitree Robotics, was showcased at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, bearing Invelon Technologies' logo.
- Unitree Robotics, known for its quadruped robots, shifted focus to humanoid robots due to advances in AI, resulting in a significant increase in international orders.
- Other exhibitors at the congress included U.S.-based Agility Robotics and the Dubai company with a lifelike robot, highlighting the global interest in cost-effective humanoid technologies.
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Who’s Who
- Invelon Technologies
- Invelon Technologies is a Spanish company that provides personalized services using virtual and augmented reality devices developed by global tech firms. Founded and led by Chief Technology Officer Marc Solé Farré, the company recently purchased several G1 humanoid robots from China's Unitree Robotics for 50,000 euros each. They are exploring potential applications for these robots, reflecting their interest in integrating advanced robotics into their offerings.
- Unitree Robotics
- Unitree Robotics is a Hangzhou-based startup known for its humanoid robots, like the G1 and H1. Initially focusing on quadruped robots, the company expanded into humanoid robots in 2023 due to advancements in AI and large language models. The G1 starts at $13,660 in China and $16,000 overseas, while the H1 sells for 650,000 yuan locally and $60,000 to $90,000 elsewhere. Orders for their humanoid robots have substantially increased in 2024.
- Agility Robotics Inc.
- Agility Robotics Inc., a U.S.-based company, showcased its humanoid robot at the Mobile World Congress. Their robot demonstrated the ability to take voice orders and place objects into different baskets, highlighting its capabilities in interacting with human commands.
- Emirates Telecommunications Group Co. PJSC
- Emirates Telecommunications Group Co. PJSC, an Abu Dhabi-based carrier, showcased a lifelike humanoid robot at the Mobile World Congress. This robot, developed by U.K.-based Engineered Arts Ltd., featured human-like skin. The company's participation highlights its interest in advanced robotics technology, aligning with global trends in humanoid robot development and applications.
- Engineered Arts Ltd.
- Engineered Arts Ltd. is a U.K.-based company that developed a lifelike robot with human-like skin, showcased at the Mobile World Congress by Abu Dhabi-based Emirates Telecommunications Group Co. PJSC. An engineer from Engineered Arts, Elliot White, highlighted that Chinese developers have made significant advancements in robotics technology, producing cost-effective humanoid robots to increase accessibility.
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What Happened When
- 2023：
- Significant developments in AI technology prompted Unitree CEO Wang Xingxing to venture into humanoid robots.
- August 2023：
- Unitree launched its first humanoid robot, the H1.
- January 2025：
- Unitree Robotics gained prominence after its robots performed at the Spring Festival Gala.
- February 2025：
- Unitree CEO Wang Xingxing was invited to speak at a symposium chaired by President Xi Jinping.
- As of this week：
- The G1 robot was displayed at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.
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