Unitree Robotics aims to sell up to 20,000 humanoid robots by 2026 after a successful performance at a Spring Festival gala.
Unitree Robotics, a Chinese firm, is poised to significantly ramp up its production, aiming to sell between 10,000 and 20,000 humanoid robots by 2026, as stated by CEO Wang Xingxin. This projection marks a notable increase from last year's sales of around 5,500 units.
The company's innovative robots captured global attention during a recent gala to celebrate the Spring Festival, where they performed a series of impressive stunts including martial arts moves, somersaults, and trampoline jumping.
During the event, the robots achieved remarkable feats, such as executing a 3-meter high somersault and running at a speed of 4 m/s (about 14 km/h). Wang highlighted the autonomy of the kung fu segment, which was fully automated.
Reflecting on the performance, Wang expressed optimism about the future of robotics, suggesting that global shipments could reach tens of thousands this year, with his company expected to contribute significantly to that figure.
Unitree Robotics gained initial fame at last year's showcase, where they displayed simpler robotic movements. At the recent gala, they were not alone; other robots, including the H2 humanoid and B2-W robotic dogs, also made appearances alongside models from other Chinese firms such as Magiclab, Galbot, and Noetix.
Analyst Patrick Zhang noted that the controlled environment of the gala provided an excellent opportunity for demonstrating the robots' capabilities, despite acknowledging the challenges they face in real-world scenarios.
However, caution has been advised, as concerns were raised last November by China's National Development and Reform Commission regarding a potential bubble in the humanoid robot market.