Photo Story

Photos: Unitree’s flexible and skillful G1 humanoid robot set for mass production

The G1’s visor-like face and advanced mobility features highlight its transition from a high-priced prototype to a production-ready model.

Published: Aug 19, 2024 08:58 AM EST

Sujita Sinha

9 days ago

G1 humanoid robot.

Unitree Robotics

China’s Unitree Robotics, a relatively new player in the general-purpose humanoid robot market, is making waves with its G1 model, priced at $16,000.

Despite being a fresh entrant, the G1 has already shown impressive performance, and the company has now revealed a version poised for mass production.

The advancements made in such a short time are noteworthy, especially given the competitive landscape dominated by companies like Tesla, Boston Dynamics, and Sanctuary AI.

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Unitree’s evolution from robo-beasts to humanoids
Until December of last year, Unitree Robotics focused primarily on creating four-legged robotic companions like the Go2 and B2. However, the company’s first biped humanoid made its debut video appearance amid stiff competition. Yet, Unitree has rapidly caught up, demonstrating impressive progress. The initial $90,000 model has since been replaced by the more affordable and capable G1, which is now making headlines for its near-readiness for mass production.
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G1’s transition from prototype to production
The G1’s journey from a high-priced prototype to a more polished, production-ready model has been swift. Engineers at Unitree have been working tirelessly since the G1's May reveal, refining the robot’s design and performance to meet the stringent requirements of mass production. The G1 now features a visor-like face, replacing the air gap from earlier versions, and has three-digit hands instead of stumps, giving it a more functional and production-oriented appearance.
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Demonstrating G1’s capabilities
In a recent video demonstration, Unitree showcased the G1's impressive range of abilities. The robot was seen leaping, twisting, hopping, and even dancing with remarkable fluidity. It also demonstrated its capability to climb stairs cluttered with debris, adjust its gait in real-time, and tackle varied-height obstacles with ease. In one particularly striking scene, the G1 remained upright and unshaken despite a seemingly aggressive push from a member of the development team, highlighting its stability and resilience.
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Specs recap and performance enhancements
A quick review of the G1’s specifications shows no significant changes since its last reveal, though improvements in performance are evident. The G1 stands at 4.33 feet (1.32 meters) tall and can be folded down to a compact 27 x 17.7 x 11.8 inches (690 x 450 x 300 mm), making it relatively easy to store, despite its hefty 77 lbs (35 kg) weight. The robot’s face is equipped with 3D LiDAR and a RealSense depth camera, and it features a noise-canceling microphone array for voice commands, along with a 5-W stereo speaker for audio responses.
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Internally routed cabling and battery life
One of the G1’s design highlights is its internally routed cabling, which ensures clean lines and reduces the risk of snagging during operation. The robot is powered by a quick-release 9,000-mAh battery that provides around two hours of use per charge. This feature is particularly useful for operators who may need to quickly swap batteries during extended operations.
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Mobility and dexterity of the G1
The G1 boasts 23 degrees of freedom in its joints, allowing for a wide range of movements and enhanced dexterity. It can walk at speeds of up to 2 m/s (4.5 mph), making it one of the faster humanoid robots in its class. The inclusion of three-digit hands further enhances its ability to perform tasks that require precision and dexterity, moving closer to practical applications in various industries.
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Pricing and production plans
As mentioned, the G1 is priced starting at $16,000, making it a more accessible option compared to its earlier version. Unitree has described this iteration as a mass production version, though it has not yet confirmed that mass production has officially begun. The price point positions the G1 as a competitive option in the market, potentially opening up new opportunities for businesses and research institutions looking for a cost-effective humanoid robot solution.