Unitree G1: The Only Humanoid Robot That Can Perform Kung Fu
Humanoid robots have been a part of science fiction for decades, with many of us actually growing up with the idea of such robots doing our chores in the future. While this technology has yet to make waves, several companies are already competing for dominance, and one of them is Unitree.
The company recently introduced its all-new humanoid robot, the G1, which can perform various tasks and is agile enough to do a standing long jump and practice Kung Fu. Here is everything you need to know about it.
Who is Unitree?
Founded in 2016, Unitree Robotics, officially known as Hangzhou Yushu Technology, is a Chinese robotics company specializing in developing, manufacturing, and selling high-performance robots for industrial and commercial applications.
While companies like Boston Dynamics also manufacture similar robots, Unitree differentiates itself on a few key metrics. First, its robots are significantly more affordable thanks to the in-house development of core components like actuators, controllers, and AI models. Additionally, Unitree has open-sourced its training datasets and reinforcement learning frameworks for robots like the G1 and H1.
Unitree G1 Humanoid Robot
For many years, we’ve seen demos of humanoid robots performing actions like walking, bartending, and serving food. While these demos have been impressive, these robots often lacked natural movement.
This is exactly where the Unitree G1 shines. Weighing around 35 kg and standing at 130 cm, the G1 comes in various versions with 23 to 43 degrees of freedom, tailored to different application needs. Plus, the robot’s 3D LiDAR sensor, combined with a depth sensor and multiple microphones, allows it to be highly aware of its surroundings and make informed decisions.
At its core, the G1 runs on Unitree’s UnifoLM (Unitree Robot Unified Large Model), powered by an 8-core high-performance CPU and reinforcement learning algorithms. These enable the robot to perform complex tasks and continuously improve through trial and error. To make the G1 even better, Unitree has released a full-body dataset, which allows researchers and professionals to find new applications.
The results have been staggering. In a recent demo video, Unitree showcased its G1 robot skipping rope like a regular human. The robot, which can run up to 4.5 mph, also demonstrated training in Kung Fu with humans while performing some sick moves.
Additionally, thanks to its dexterous hands, the G1 can perform precise tasks such as solving a Rubik’s cube and turning book pages. The robot runs on a 9,000 mAh battery, which provides up to two hours of operation. You can hot-swap batteries to extend usage as well.
Potential Applications
While there’s still a long way to go before we see these robots on the streets, they have countless potential applications that can revolutionize multiple industries. These include:
- Warehouse assistance: Automating inventory management and transportation.
- Domestic help: Performing household chores such as dishwashing, laundry, and meal preparation.
- Security patrols: Monitoring premises autonomously and deterring intruders.
- Elderly care: Assisting with daily tasks like medication reminders, carrying groceries, and providing mobility support.
Looking Forward
The Unitree G1 represents a major leap forward in affordable, agile robotics. As the company continues to refine its robots, we’ll move closer to a future where they are part of our daily lives and relieve humans of repetitive work.
