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A new era of humanoid robotics has arrived in Hannover, Germany, with the debut of the G1 robot at the renowned Hannover Messe industrial exhibition. Developed by Chinese robotics company Unitree, the G1 stands at just 130 cm tall, offering a more affordable option compared to many of its rivals, while delivering impressive agility. Videos of the robot performing martial arts and dancing have gone viral online, captivating the public and highlighting its potential.

A Glimpse into G1’s Capabilities

On the show floor, Pedro Zheng, a sales manager from Unitree, remotely controls the G1. Visitors are drawn to its humanlike appearance, and many interact with the robot by offering handshakes, testing its reactions, and laughing at its movements. “Although the G1 is not fully autonomous, it provides an interactive experience for everyone, unlike many other machines on display,” says Zheng. He notes that users must configure the robot to operate independently, as it requires specific programming for full autonomy.

Despite its impressive agility, G1’s realistic features elicit mixed feelings, with some people expressing discomfort over its uncanny resemblance to a human. Nevertheless, the robot’s ability to mimic human movements, such as waving and walking, encourages interaction, with many visitors apologizing after accidentally bumping into it.

The Growing Global Humanoid Robotics Market

Unitree is part of a larger movement of companies around the world developing humanoid robots designed to work seamlessly in both industrial and domestic settings. These robots offer businesses a labor force that doesn’t require rest, wages, or vacations, making them an attractive investment. In homes, robots like the G1 could transform mundane tasks such as laundry or dishwashing.

However, the path to widespread success remains complex. While robotic arms and mobile robots have been used in controlled environments such as factories for years, replicating that success in unpredictable home environments poses significant challenges. A humanoid robot with the physical strength to assist in the home could also be dangerous. A simple fall could lead to injury, highlighting the importance of ensuring robots’ safety.

The Challenges of AI in Robotics

The artificial intelligence (AI) required for humanoid robots remains a major hurdle for developers. According to Unitree, while their robots can perform a range of tasks, the AI isn’t yet capable of handling complex reasoning or multitasking. “Currently, the G1 is aimed at research centers and tech firms that can utilize our open-source code,” says Zheng. For now, most robotics companies focus their efforts on industrial applications, such as warehouses and factories.

Other major players in the robotics space include Tesla, which is developing the Optimus robot for use in its car factories. Elon Musk has stated that Tesla plans to build thousands of these robots in 2025. BMW has already deployed humanoid robots in a U.S. factory, while Hyundai has invested heavily in Boston Dynamics, signaling a growing interest in humanoid robotics.

China’s Dominance in Humanoid Robotics

According to Thomas Andersson, an expert at STIQ, more than 50 companies around the world are developing humanoid robots with two legs, and over 100 projects are in progress when factoring in robots with wheels. However, he believes China’s vast robotics ecosystem and supply chain will make it the dominant force in the market.

Unitree’s G1 serves as a prime example of this competitive edge, with its $16,000 price tag making it an accessible option compared to many competitors. China also benefits from substantial governmental support, with cities like Shanghai providing state-backed training centers to teach robots how to complete tasks. This infrastructure allows Chinese companies to keep production costs low and deliver products at scale.

Cost and Efficiency in Robot Manufacturing

Bristol-based company Kinisi, led by founder Bren Pierce, recently launched the KR1 robot. While designed in the UK, the robot is built entirely in Asia, using mass-produced parts like e-scooter wheels to keep costs down. Pierce believes the key to success lies not in complex hardware, but in the software that powers these robots. “Our goal is to create robots that warehouse staff can control after just a few hours of training,” he explains. The KR1 can complete tasks independently after around 20 to 30 guided repetitions, which significantly reduces the learning curve compared to other systems that require highly specialized knowledge to operate.

This year, Kinisi plans to deploy its robots with pilot customers, gathering real-world data on their performance and refining the design further.

While robotics companies are making impressive strides in industrial settings, the prospect of robots becoming a fixture in homes remains far-off. Pierce, who has long dreamed of creating an all-purpose household robot, estimates that it could take at least another decade before such robots become commonplace. For now, the focus remains on robots that can improve efficiency in warehouses and factories, with domestic robots still a distant goal for many in the industry.

As humanoid robots continue to evolve, their potential in both industrial and household settings grows. However, significant challenges—ranging from safety concerns to the limitations of current AI—remain to be addressed before robots like the G1 can become a standard feature in daily life.