China’s Unitree CEO Wang Xingxing: Humanoid robots not ready for their ‘ChatGPT moment’

"The 'ChatGPT moment' for humanoid robots, when they will truly enter workplaces and homes, still requires some time," Wang told Xinhua earlier this week. He said robotics firms and research institutes worldwide are pursuing different approaches that may soon lead to progress.

Founded in 2016 in Hangzhou, China's tech hub, Unitree began developing its humanoid robot project in 2023. Powered by AI, the robots have demonstrated remarkable agility, performing martial arts moves such as aerial cartwheels and kip-ups.

"Within the next year or two, robots will acquire generalized capabilities for both commercial and household applications, such as tidying rooms and delivering items," Wang said.

Unitree's robots. Photo from X

The rise of humanoid robots performing tasks like dancing and boxing has fueled debate about their real-world usefulness and commercial viability. Wang said such performances serve two purposes: showcasing technological advancements and generating short-term commercial value.

Last month, Unitree’s G1 humanoids competed in the world’s first robot boxing tournament, held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province.

"In robot combat tournaments, our latest-generation control technology enables robots to perform complex combos, from precision punches to spinning kicks, with seamless transitions and exceptional stability," he explained. He predicted these events could evolve into a mainstream sport, like football or basketball.

Robotics plays a central role in China’s "Made in China 2025" initiative, with the country currently leading global industrial robot installations, according to Tech in Asia. Morgan Stanley projects China will become a global leader in the rapidly growing humanoid robotics sector, which could reach a market value of up to $5 trillion in the coming decades, China Daily reported.

Data from the State Administration for Market Regulation shows that as of December 2024, China had 451,700 enterprises operating in the smart robotics sector, with registered capital exceeding 6.44 trillion yuan. The number of firms has grown 206.73% since 2020 and 19.39% from the previous year.

Wang said humanoid robots will likely find success first in industrial and commercial settings. He added that general-purpose AI and robotics could trigger a new "industrial revolution," reshaping production systems and raising ethical questions about human-machine collaboration.

"Since childhood, I've dreamed of changing the world through technology," he said. "Just like our company name 'Unitree' implies, this isn't merely a business -- I aim to cultivate a thriving 'science and technology tree' that branches across the cosmos."