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Wes Morrill, Tesla Cybertruck chief engineer, posted a video on X on Dec. 27 showing the Unitree G1 practicing combat moves as part of its motion simulation tests. During a synchronized routine, the engineer, wearing a motion capture suit, attempted a martial arts-style kick.
However, the robot mirrored his movement exactly, and when both faced the same direction, the robot lifted its leg, inadvertently striking the engineer in the groin. As the trainer collapsed in pain, the robot mimicked his posture, drawing laughter from onlookers, Interesting Engineering reported. Musk later shared the video with a laughing emoji in the caption.
Unitree G1 humanoid robot kicks its trainer. Video from Bilibili
The video was originally uploaded on Dec. 25 to Bilibili, a Chinese video platform, by a blogger, according to Global Times. After Musk commented, the blogger explained that the incident occurred due to a technical delay, which they suggested would decrease as technology advances, potentially reaching a delay of just 0.1 seconds.
Unitree responded to the video, clarifying that the "combat" routine was a secondary program developed by the buyer, with the company only supplying the robot's hardware.
Launched in May 2024, the G1 stands 1.3 meters tall and weighs 35 kilograms, powered by 23 to 43 joint motors. The humanoid robot has impressed with its agility, demonstrating capabilities in martial arts, acrobatics, sports, and jogging.
On Dec. 20, Musk also shared a video of six Unitree G1 performing dance and acrobatics at a concert by Taiwanese American pop star Wang Leehom in Chengdu, China, commenting, "Impressive."
Founded in 2016, Unitree Robotics develops quadruped and humanoid robots for logistics, surveillance, scientific research, and entertainment. The company has rapidly commercialized its products at various price points. Earlier this month, Unitree launched the "world’s first humanoid app store," where users can upload robotic movements and datasets or download them from others.
According to CNBC, the Hangzhou-based company is seen as a competitor to Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot.
