A sunny morning at Hannover Messe 2025 saw a major spotlight on robotics. Chinese company Unitree’s G1 humanoid robot stood out. The 130 cm tall robot was one of the main attractions at the event. It impressed visitors with its remarkable agility and ability to perform complex movements, including martial arts and dance routines. The G1, priced at $16,000, quickly gained global attention for its affordability and performance. It offers a cost-effective alternative to its more expensive competitors.
A New Kind of Robot
Pedro Zheng, Unitree’s sales manager, led the demonstration of the G1. He highlighted its capabilities. Unlike many other robots, the G1 has the potential to be used autonomously. However, it currently requires remote operation and customized programming for more advanced tasks. The robot’s human-like appearance drew more interest from the audience. Many attempted to interact by offering handshakes or making the robot wave.
“This robot is designed to engage with people in a way that feels familiar. Its human-like features, while still somewhat eerie, allow people to feel more at ease,” Zheng said during the demonstration. The G1’s ability to move fluidly and respond to commands added to its popularity.
Real-World Applications and Challenges
Despite its impressive design, humanoid robots like the G1 face significant hurdles. Experts agree that the dream of robots handling domestic chores, like laundry or cooking, is still far from reality. While robots perform well in controlled environments, like factories, the unpredictable nature of home and restaurant settings presents a challenge.
“Humanoid robots must be incredibly strong and smart to navigate spaces safely. A simple error could result in damage or injury,” explained Zheng. Unitree, like many robotics companies, continues to refine the artificial intelligence (AI) systems. For now, the G1 remains focused on niche uses in development and institutional settings.
China’s Competitive Edge in Robotics
The rise of Chinese robotics companies, such as Unitree, is positioning China as a major player in the global robotics market. Thomas Andersson, founder of STIQ, tracks over 100 companies developing humanoid robots. He sees China’s manufacturing ecosystem as a key factor in rapid progress. With lower production costs and faster research and development cycles, Chinese companies hold an advantage over Western counterparts.
“China’s ability to quickly scale production and benefit from government-backed innovation gives them a critical edge in the robotics market,” Andersson said. The G1, priced significantly lower than its competitors, demonstrates this advantage. It offers a cost-effective solution without compromising performance. Moreover, nearly 60% of global investment in robotics flows into Asia, and China continues to receive substantial support from both private investors and the government.
Western Companies Adapt to Compete
Western companies are adjusting their strategies in response to China’s growing dominance in robotics. Bren Pierce, the founder of Kinisi, a UK-based robotics company, has taken a different approach. Kinisi’s first product, the KR1 robot, is designed for use in warehouses and factories. Though the company is based in the UK, it manufactures the KR1 in Asia to reduce costs.
“By sourcing parts from China and assembling them in Asia, we save money and time, allowing us to offer a more affordable solution,” Pierce explained. The KR1 focuses on simplicity. It uses wheels instead of legs. This choice helps reduce complexity and cost, making the robot more practical for use in flat environments like warehouses.
Kinisi plans to refine the KR1 based on feedback from early users. Pierce acknowledges that a truly versatile home assistant robot is still many years away. “The dream of an all-in-one robot that can handle any task is not something we’ll see in the next 10 to 15 years,” he said.
The Future of Humanoid Robots
The developments in humanoid robotics, seen at Hannover Messe 2025, show both the potential and challenges of this emerging tech. While robots like Unitree’s G1 are still in the early stages of their development, they represent a significant step forward in creating machines that can interact with humans meaningfully.
As AI and robotics continue to evolve, the future of humanoid robots looks promising. However, integrating them into daily life remains complex, with many hurdles still to overcome. In the coming years, we can expect to see more robots in industrial settings, but it may take longer for them to become commonplace in homes and other public spaces.