Robots have long been envisioned as the ultimate helpers—carrying groceries, scrubbing floors, and maybe telling a few dad jokes. But it looks like Unitree’s latest creation, the G1 humanoid robot, has a different idea about its role in society. Instead of being a simple assistant, this robot is out here perfecting kung fu and, well, disarming humans in combat.
This robot kicks—and no, it’s not CGI
In a jaw-dropping 15-second clip, the G1 robot takes on a human armed with a baton. The result? The robot gracefully kicks the baton right out of the person’s hand, effortlessly moving in a way that’s shockingly precise. Think Bruce Lee, but with a sleek, robotic frame. And no, the footage isn’t sped up or digitally enhanced—it’s just the robot doing its thing.
This impressive display comes just a week after Unitree released a video showing G1 practicing some solo kung fu moves. The robot’s motion is incredibly fluid, almost like it’s been studying martial arts for years. So, what’s behind this newfound agility?
New algorithms and smarter sensors
Unitree attributes the G1’s enhanced capabilities to a new motion algorithm. This upgrade allows the robot to execute complex movements with speed and precision. Throw in some advanced sensors—like 3D LiDAR and depth cameras—and suddenly, the robot isn’t just a skilled fighter, it’s a perceptive one too. It’s aware of its environment and can adjust its movements on the fly, making it more agile and adaptive than ever.
G1’s versatility in motion
But G1 isn’t just about looking cool in action movies. Designed for real-world tasks in homes, factories, and hospitals, this humanoid robot is built to handle repetitive and challenging jobs. Standing at just 4.33 feet tall and weighing 77 lbs, it’s compact and easy to store. Plus, it’s equipped with powerful features, including 23 degrees of freedom (DoF) for maximum flexibility in movement.
A word of caution
Despite G1’s impressive abilities, Unitree’s warning at the end of its videos is worth noting: they caution users against “hazardous use” of the robot. But when you’ve got a robot kicking batons out of people’s hands, doesn’t that line seem a bit… blurry?
With a price tag of $16,000, G1 is positioned as an affordable option for those looking to explore humanoid robotics. While it’s clear this tech is moving fast, it’s still a bit early to call it the dawn of the robot uprising. For now, the G1 is a marvel of motion and a glimpse into the future of humanoid robots.
