In a groundbreaking display of robotics and innovation, Unitree Robotics has unveiled a captivating video showcasing their humanoid robot, the G1, executing a side flip with remarkable precision and agility. Released on YouTube, this exhibition of robotic acrobatics offers a glimpse into the potential of advanced robotics in performing complex physical tasks.
In the video, the sleek G1 robot, clad in a metallic silver-grey exterior, is seen crouching slightly before abruptly launching itself into the air, executing a flawless side flip. Balancing adeptly upon landing, the robot primarily stabilizes with its left leg and steadies itself almost instantaneously as the other foot touches down. The sophistication of this maneuver becomes even more apparent when observed in slow motion, highlighting the seamless way the robot manages to maintain equilibrium upon landing.
Previously, this same model had successfully achieved a backflip, a feat accomplished through enhancements to its artificial intelligence capabilities. According to statements made by Unitree to Live Science, this latest acrobatic achievement required upgrading the AI algorithms to be faster and more responsive, implementing an advanced method known as reinforcement learning. This technique, a staple in robotics, enables machines to interact with and adapt to the physical world. Fellow robotics company Figure has utilized similar technologies to give its Figure 02 models movements that closely resemble human motion.
Beyond its acrobatic prowess, the G1 is a multifaceted machine. It can walk and run at speeds of up to 2 meters per second (approximately 4.5 miles per hour or 7.2 kilometers per hour). During martial arts demonstrations, it demonstrated its dexterity by disarming a baton-wielding opponent. In a flurry of strategic hand movements, the G1 unleashed a swift spinning kick, sending the baton soaring away.
With its compact and lightweight form, standing at just over 4.3 feet tall (around 1.3 meters) and weighing a mere 77 pounds (35 kilograms), the G1 is engineered for agility. Equipped with cutting-edge technology such as 3D light detection and ranging (LIDAR) and a depth camera, the robot boasts a 360-degree perception of its surroundings. Perhaps most significantly, it features 23 degrees of freedom—indicative of the vast array of joint movements available in its design.
Unitree envisions a future where the G1 and its successors undertake a variety of roles, from assisting with household chores to performing complex industrial tasks and participating in hazardous rescue operations. By pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with humanoid robotics, Unitree is paving the way for a new era of robotic companions that merge agility with utility.