Humanoid robots are often shown in carefully staged lab demos, but Chinese robotics firm Unitree decided to put its G1 model through a far tougher test. In a recent showcase, the robot endured kicks, shoves, and heavy blows, only to rise back up every time, thanks to a new “Anti-Gravity” system designed for balance and recovery.
Unlike older robots that simply collapse and reset, the G1 actively calculates how to absorb force, recover posture, and stand back up. Unitree’s engineers emphasized that this is not just a party trick but a capability with real-world industrial applications. In workplaces where reliability is critical, machines that can recover instantly from setbacks help prevent costly interruptions.
The G1’s agility comes from its network of sensors and motors working in sync. Depth cameras and 3D LiDAR provide a continuous scan of the environment, while onboard algorithms decide whether to lean, twist, or step aside when force is applied. Multiple motors in each joint give it the torque needed to react instantly.
This predictive element bracing for impact rather than merely reacting after a fall is what Unitree calls Anti-Gravity mode. It allows the G1 to move less like a stiff machine and more like a human athlete preparing for contact.
In one clip, a side kick sends the robot staggering, but instead of toppling over, it spreads its stance and regains balance with controlled momentum. In another, a running kick knocks it sliding across the floor. The G1 quickly scans its surroundings, folds its knees, and powers back upright in a single push — lifting its full 77 pounds (35 kg) in one smooth motion.
Even during double shoves and mid-air disturbances, the robot stabilizes itself and resumes its position. Each recovery looks deliberate rather than clumsy, a major step toward practical humanoid robotics.
Unitree first introduced the G1 in 2023 at a price of about $16,000, positioning it as a relatively affordable humanoid compared to competitors. While the demo may look like roughhousing, the message is clear: this is a robot designed to handle real-world unpredictability.