The prospect of a “robot uprising” often elicits amusement, but a recent video showcasing Unitree’s G1 robot performing martial arts might give some pause. The 15-second clip depicts a person wielding a baton retreating from the robot, which then swiftly kicks the baton from their grasp. The robot’s movements are fluid and natural, reminiscent of a martial arts expert.
G1’s Advanced Capabilities
This isn’t sped-up footage; the G1 moves with remarkable agility and precision. Just a week prior, Unitree Robotics released a video of the G1 executing various kung fu moves. However, this latest demonstration shows the robot engaging with a human opponent and emerging victorious. This advancement is attributed to a new algorithm developed by Unitree, combined with 3D LiDAR and depth cameras for enhanced environmental perception and navigation.
Unitree’s Cautionary Message
Interestingly, Unitree includes a message at the end of its videos: “We kindly request that all users refrain from making any dangerous modifications, or using the robot in a hazardous manner.” This raises questions about the potential for misuse of such advanced robotic technology.
G1 at CES 2025 and Pricing
Unitree unveiled the latest iteration of its G1 humanoid robot at CES 2025 in January. The base model is priced at $16,000, making it comparatively affordable alongside other humanoid robots like the Figure 02, priced at $59,000, and Tesla’s Optimus (Tesla Bot), estimated to cost around $30,000.
Future of Humanoid Robots
Unitree anticipates a significant leap in humanoid robot capabilities in the coming year, with more defined commercial applications emerging within the next five years. While humanoid robots have made considerable progress, experts believe widespread practical applications are still several years away.
Conclusion
The G1’s impressive kung fu demonstration highlights the rapid advancements in humanoid robotics. While the prospect of widespread robot adoption may still be some time off, the G1’s capabilities offer a glimpse into the potential future of this technology.
