Unitree GD01 robot revealed as the company prepares to file for a $7 billion IPO after surpassing Tesla in humanoid robot sales.

      TL;DR Unitree Robotics has introduced the GD01, a 2.8-meter transformable mecha priced from $650,000. The more significant development is the company itself: in 2025, Unitree outshipped Tesla in humanoid robots, commands 70% of the quadruped market, achieved a 335% revenue increase to $235 million, has been profitable since 2020, and is planning a $7 billion IPO on the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

      Unitree Robotics has launched the GD01, a 2.8-meter mecha that a human pilot can operate from an open cockpit located in its torso. This machine can walk on two legs or swiftly transform into a quadrupedal form, weighs approximately 500 kilograms when occupied, and is priced starting at about 3.9 million yuan, equating to around $650,000. It can also function without a pilot. Unitree claims this is the world’s first production-ready manned mecha, designed as a civilian vehicle for rugged terrains, exploration, and rescue tasks that benefit from an elevated viewpoint.

      The GD01 is both a marvel and a brand statement from a company that has rightfully earned attention.

      The company

      Founded in 2016 by Wang Xingxing, who created his first quadruped robot as a master’s thesis at Shanghai University and then left his position at DJI to start the business in a modest 50-square-meter office in Hangzhou, Unitree has dramatically expanded in the last decade. The company now captures about 70% of the global quadruped robot market, having shipped over 23,700 units in 2024 across its Go, A, and B series. In 2025, it delivered more than 5,500 humanoid robots, surpassing all other manufacturers, including Tesla.

      In 2025, revenue reached 1.71 billion yuan (approximately $235 million), showcasing a year-on-year growth of 335%. Since 2020, Unitree has maintained profitability. By 2025, humanoid robots became the primary source of revenue, accounting for about 52% of total earnings in the first three quarters. The company filed for an initial public offering on the Shanghai Stock Exchange in March 2026, aiming to raise 4.2 billion yuan (around $610 million) with a target valuation of $7 billion.

      Unitree's investor list features major players in Chinese tech, including Alibaba, Tencent, China Mobile, Geely Capital, Ant Group, Jinqiu Capital (ByteDance’s investment division), and HongShan Capital, formerly known as Sequoia China. All significant Chinese technology conglomerates have invested in this dominant robot manufacturer.

      The product line

      Unitree's relevance stems not from the GD01, but from a diverse product range that spans consumer to industrial markets while undercutting Western competitors significantly on price. The consumer quadruped Go2 starts at $1,600. The G1 humanoid, aimed at research and light industrial uses, ranges from $13,500 to $27,000, while the larger industrial-grade H2 is priced at $29,900. Additionally, the B2-W wheeled quadruped variant is equipped for inspection, patrol, and firefighting efforts.

      In comparison, Figure AI's Figure 02 industrial humanoid is being tested at BMW at undisclosed but likely much higher costs than Unitree’s offerings. Boston Dynamics has started commercial production of its electric Atlas, with all 2026 units already allocated to Hyundai, while Tesla’s Optimus is still in development without any factory implementations reported as of the first quarter of 2026. Unitree stands out as the only company currently producing and shipping consumer, research, and industrial humanoid robots at scale.

      China's humanoid robot sector faces challenges in commercial viability, with over 150 firms striving for a market where only 23% of customers report satisfaction with their purchased robots. Unitree's strategy to address this satisfaction gap is based on rapid iteration and competitive pricing. If an initial robot underperforms, its replacement is more cost-effective than competitors' pilot programs. The company approaches humanoid robotics similarly to how Chinese smartphone manufacturers approached handsets a decade ago: quickly shipping products, pricing them competitively, iterating based on user feedback, and leveraging volume to lower costs.

      The mecha

      The GD01 can switch between bipedal and quadrupedal modes by folding its legs and altering its center of gravity within seconds. In bipedal mode, it stands nearly three meters tall, while in quadrupedal mode, its profile lowers to enhance stability when navigating rough terrains. The machine utilizes LiDAR, depth cameras, an inertial measurement unit, and pressure sensors to maintain stability and assist in navigation. It operates on high-torque motors developed in-house by Unitree. Demonstration videos showcase its abilities to walk in urban settings, break through brick