Elon Musk posts a video showing Unitree G1 humanoid robots executing backflips at a concert.

      Credit: Unitree

      Tesla CEO Elon Musk shared a video of a concert performance from China on the social media platform X today, labeling it as “Impressive.” This action quickly garnered significant attention from the global tech community. The footage depicted six G1 humanoid robots created by Hangzhou’s Unitree Robotics performing alongside human dancers at a Wang Leehom concert in Chengdu, China. Clad in shimmering silver outfits, the robots synchronized their movements with the music during the song "Firepower," executing precise and rhythmically matched dance routines before seamlessly performing a high-difficulty Webster flip together and landing gracefully onstage.

      Unitree G1 demonstrates rapid, human-like movement control. Observers in the industry regard this performance as a notable advancement in robotic dynamic balance and power systems. The G1 humanoid robot is equipped with 3D LiDAR and algorithms for multi-agent coordination, allowing it to respond in just seconds and achieve joint flexibility comparable to human dancers. Compared to the more cautious actions seen from robots at the Spring Festival Gala in China just eleven months prior, the stability and smooth execution of the backflip during this performance represent a significant improvement. This progress is considered a vital step in advancing China’s humanoid robotics technology from laboratory showcases to practical commercial applications. A Chinese social media user commented to TechNode, “At the Spring Festival Gala earlier this year, the robots still resembled toddlers learning to walk. Now they’re performing backflips — the pace of evolution feels directly out of science fiction.”

      Overview of Unitree G1 humanoid robot and its pricing: The Unitree G1 is a compact bipedal humanoid robot developed by the Chinese company Unitree Robotics, which was introduced in May 2024 as part of its initiative to integrate advanced robotics into broader research, demonstration, and commercial applications. The G1 stands approximately 1.30 meters tall and weighs around 35 kg, combining an agile mechanical design with AI-based control. It boasts a wide range of motion with 23–43 joint motors, enabling dynamic actions such as running, coordinated balance, and intricate poses. Its onboard perception technology, featuring 3D LiDAR and depth cameras, facilitates real-time spatial awareness and navigation.

      A vital aspect of the robot’s design philosophy is the incorporation of AI learning. The G1 employs imitation learning and reinforcement learning frameworks to adapt and enhance its movement skills over time, while force-controlled, dexterous hands afford it the capability to fine-tune object interactions in its surroundings. Unitree's pricing for the G1 starts at approximately RMB 85,000–RMB 99,000 ($12,000–$16,000) for the base model, making it one of the more affordable humanoid robots with sophisticated locomotion and sensing abilities.

      Jessie Wu is a technology reporter situated in Shanghai, focusing on consumer electronics, semiconductors, and the gaming industry for TechNode. You can connect with her via e-mail: [email protected].