Unitree Unveils Affordable G1 Humanoid Robot

Successor to the H1 Aims at Research and Education

Unitree Robotics introduced its latest creation, the G1 humanoid robot, at ICRA 2024. The G1 follows the footsteps of the H1 humanoid, which debuted in 2023 and gained recognition for its balancing and walking capabilities.

From Crowd-Wowing Demos to Educational Tool

The H1 was a popular attraction at CES 2024, and Unitree continued to showcase its abilities at NVIDIA GTC in April. Unitree rose to fame during the early days of humanoid robotics by showcasing its robots confidently walking around in public without tethers.

Unitree actively participated in the “robot bullying” trend, releasing videos featuring humans pushing, kicking, and shoving the H1 to demonstrate its balance. The company even created an electrically-powered humanoid performing flips, mirroring the athletic stunts performed by Boston Dynamics’ hydraulic-powered Atlas robot.

Introducing the Unitree G1 Humanoid

The most striking difference between the G1 and its predecessor is its size. The H1 is human-sized, reaching 180 cm, whereas the G1 stands at a height of 127 cm, resembling an average eight-year-old.

Reduced Size, Reduced Cost

The G1’s smaller build translates to a less expensive material list and the use of smaller motors compared to the H1. Interestingly, both robots weigh roughly the same at 47 kg. Due to its compact size, the G1 boasts a significantly lower price tag of $16,000 for the base configuration, compared to the H1’s base price of $90,000.

Unitree on Reducing G1’s Cost

When questioned regarding the drastic price reduction, Unitree explained that every detail in the robot’s design and manufacturing is crucial for optimizing performance and reducing costs. This includes streamlining elements like wires, cables, chips, and screws. While these might seem like minor adjustments, Unitree emphasizes their significance in achieving affordability.

The company revealed that it designs most of its robots’ hardware in-house, allowing for better performance and lower costs through their experience in robot design and production. Notably, Unitree designs its own motors and reducers, contributing to the G1’s affordability.

Future of the H1

With the launch of the G1, some questioned whether the H1 would become obsolete. Unitree’s marketing director, Duke Huang, assured customers that the H1 remains their most powerful humanoid robot, and they will continue to service and support existing customers. Huang emphasized the clear distinction between the two robots in terms of size, price, and performance. The G1 is designed to be compact, aesthetically pleasing, user-friendly, and easier to maintain, while acknowledging its limitations in power compared to the H1 due to its smaller stature.

G1’s Feature Set

The Unitree G1 offers a range of features, with options for customization from a base model to a fully-equipped version. The robot can be outfitted with articulating, force-controlled, three-fingered hands with optional tactile feedback capabilities. The G1’s battery provides approximately 2 hours of operation and is designed for swift swapping. Sensor options include 3D LiDAR and Intel RealSense D435 cameras.

The robot boasts an impressive walking speed of 2,000 mm/s (4.5 MPH), surpassing the speed of competing humanoids and AMRs in the market.

Target Market for the Unitree G1

The G1’s diminutive size excludes it from practical applications that replace human labor due to its limited reach. This begs the question: who is the ideal user for the Unitree G1?

A Research and Development Powerhouse

The G1’s affordability, nimble design, extensive joint range, and optional features make it a strong contender for university research labs. The G1 could serve as a springboard for labs developing new embodied AI algorithms. Given Unitree’s partnership with NVIDIA, the G1 EDU version can be equipped with an NVIDIA ORIN controller, providing the processing power required for complex model development. The G1’s launch at ICRA further reinforces the notion that research and development is the primary target application for this robot. While its size restricts it from navigating typical workbenches, kitchens, or households, foundation models developed on the G1 could potentially be applied to its larger counterpart, the H1.

Unitree G1: Potential Applications and Future Outlook

While the G1's target market seems to be research and development, its capabilities open doors to other potential applications. Here are some possibilities:

• Education and Training: The G1 can serve as a teaching tool in robotics courses, allowing students to experiment with programming, motion control, and human-robot interaction in a safe and controlled environment.

• Entertainment and Events: The G1's mobility and potential for customization could make it a novelty attraction at events or amusement parks. Imagine interactive displays or performances featuring the G1.

• Customer Service and Assistants: The G1, equipped with a user-friendly interface, could serve as a customer service assistant in places like information booths or museums. It could answer questions, guide visitors, or even perform simple tasks.

• Home Assistant (Concept): While the current G1 might not be ideal for navigating homes due to its size, future iterations with improved object manipulation and smaller footprints could potentially evolve into domestic helpers. Imagine a G1 sorting laundry, folding clothes, or assisting with light housework.

The Future of Affordable Humanoid Robots

The G1 marks a significant step towards affordable humanoid robots. This price reduction could accelerate advancements in AI, robotics research, and human-robot collaboration. Here's a glimpse into what the future might hold:

• More Capable and Affordable Robots: As manufacturing techniques improve and economies of scale kick in, we can expect to see a wider range of humanoid robots at various price points, catering to different needs and applications.

• Specialization: Different robot models might emerge, optimized for specific tasks. Imagine construction droids designed for harsh environments or medical robots assisting surgeons.

• Evolving Human-Robot Interaction: As AI develops and robots become more sophisticated, human-robot interaction will undoubtedly evolve. We might see more natural and intuitive ways for humans to communicate with and collaborate with robots.

The Unitree G1 opens a new chapter in humanoid robotics, making this technology more accessible than ever before. The implications for research, education, and potentially our everyday lives are widespread. It will be exciting to see how the G1 evolves and how it paves the way for the next generation of humanoid robots.