Unitree Robotics has set a new standard in humanoid robot agility with the G1’s record-breaking standing long jump solidifying its presence in the competitive robotics field.
Detailed in a video, the robot achieved a 4.6-foot (1.4-meter) standing long jump, believed to be the longest jump by a humanoid robot of its size. Standing just 1.32 meters tall, the G1’s advanced joints provide 23 to 43 degrees of freedom and can generate up to 120 Nm of maximum torque, enabling this extraordinary feat.
“The G1 robot can perform a standing long jump of up to 1.4 meters, possibly the longest jump ever achieved by a humanoid robot of its size in the world,” the company stated in a video posted on YouTube.
Unitree Robotics is quickly gaining traction in the humanoid robot market with its $16,000 G1 model, designed for educational, research, and industrial purposes. This breakthrough comes after the firm’s earlier success with the H1 V3.0 Evolution, which broke the Guinness World Record for the fastest humanoid robot, reaching a speed of 7.38 mph in March 2024. Competing with robotics giants like Tesla and Boston Dynamics, Unitree has quickly become a major player, offering affordability and performance in a rapidly evolving market.
Initially introduced as a $90,000 prototype, the G1 has since undergone significant refinements, making it more production-ready. Engineers have enhanced the robot’s design, adding a sleek visor-like face, upgrading its hands from stumps to functional three-digit appendages, and improving the overall build for mass production. These updates, along with its remarkable athleticism, make the G1 stand out in a crowded field.
The G1’s capabilities extend beyond agility. It demonstrates fluidity in various movements, including walking, jogging, climbing stairs, dancing, and even performing karate stretches. In real-time video playback, the robot’s speed and smoothness are striking. While Tesla’s Optimus focuses on practical tasks for factory environments, Unitree’s G1 prioritizes athletic performance, making it both functional and visually impressive.
In terms of specifications, the G1 stands 4.33 feet tall (1.32 meters) and folds down to a compact 27 x 17.7 x 11.8 inches for easy storage, despite weighing 77 pounds (35 kilograms). The robot is equipped with advanced sensors, including 3D LiDAR and a RealSense depth camera, as well as a noise-canceling microphone array, allowing it to respond to voice commands and provide audio feedback through a 5-W stereo speaker. Its sleek design includes internally routed cables to prevent snags during operation.
Powered by a 9,000-mAh battery, the G1 can run for up to two hours on a single charge, with quick battery-swapping options allowing for extended usage. Its joints feature 23 degrees of freedom, enabling precise and agile movements, while its walking speed reaches up to 4.5 mph (2 m/s). The three-digit hands provide enhanced dexterity, making the G1 suitable for tasks requiring precision.