Copyright Interesting Engineering
A Chinese robotics company has just released a social media video showcasing it’s brand new humanoid robot that can dance, kickbox and even walk a fashion runway with smooth, humanlike motion. Hangzhou-based Unitree Robotics, which is often described as China’s answer to Boston Dynamics, introduced its latest creation, the Unitree H2, a next-generation bipedal humanoid robot in a short promotional video on October 20. Standing about 5.9 feet [180 centimeters] tall and weighing 154 lbs [70 kilograms] H2 is the tallest and most advanced humanoid the robotics technology company has developed so far. The extraordinary footage, which Unitree Robotics shared on the its social media channels depicts the humanoid bot carrying out a series of complex movements, including pirouettes, dance routines, as well as incredible kickboxing skills. China’s novel humanoid In the video, the H2 can be seen twirling gracefully through ballet-inspired spins, including perfectly executed pirouettes and arabesques, before throwing precise kickboxing punches. Then after boasting its impressive joint flexibility through some well-coordinated kickboxing maneuvers, another scene captures the H2 confidently walking beside a human model on a catwalk, for comparison. The pioneering humanoid robot also features a stylized human face, modeled in silver. It also has defined eyes, lips and a nose, which gives it an appearance that closely mimics real human expressions. “Welcome to this world – standing 180 centimeters [5.9 feet] tall and weighing 70 kilograms [154 lbs],” the company revealed. “The H2 bionic humanoid – born to serve everyone safely and friendly.” The robot builds on the success of its predecessor, the H1, which made headlines during China’s 2024 Spring Festival Gala for its remarkable sprinting abilities. The earlier model could reach speeds of up to 10.8 feet per second (3.3 meters per second), with a theoretical top speed exceeding 16.4 feet per second (roughly five meters per second). The H1, which is equipped with 3D LiDAR and depth cameras, showed remarkable spatial awareness and balance on uneven terrain. It took home two gold medals at the 2025 World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing, after dominating both the 400-meter and 1,500-meter running events. Raising the bar The company, which was founded in 2016, gained international attention that same year with its revolutionary XDog quadruped. Since then, it has broadened its lineup of agile robots and emerged as one of the East Asian nation’s leading names in humanoid development. Now, its latest model, which features 31 degrees of freedom, combines aesthetic design with practical performance. Its improved flexibility, joint control, and mechanical balance enable it to mimic human movement more closely than ever before. It is the company’s fourth humanoid robot after the H1, G1 and R1. “Our biggest goal, and current focus, is to make robots work,” Unitree Robotics CEO Wang Xingxing and one the top developers of quadrupedal and humanoid robots in China, told the Global Times. “They can perform various actions and assist humans, but mass adoption of the robots in homes or factories isn’t feasible due to technical limitations,” he added. “Step-by-step progress is good, fostering more understanding and tolerance for the industry. The firm is preparing to file for an initial public offering (IPO) in mainland China, aiming for a valuation of around USD 7 billion (CNY 50 billion). Its growing visibility highlights the country’s push to lead the global humanoid robotics field, which was once dominated by the US and Japan.
