Kung fu, somersaults and scale: Unitree eyes 20,000-robot output in 2026 after gala

Hangzhou-based Unitree Robotics is significantly scaling its production of humanoid robots, aiming to ship between 10,000 and 20,000 units this year. This projection follows a notable increase from approximately 5,500 units in 2025, and comes after the company’s recent high-profile demonstration at the Spring Festival Gala.

A Leap in Robotic Capability

Unitree first gained widespread attention at last year’s Spring Festival Gala with a display of basic robotic movements. This year’s performance, however, showcased a substantial advancement in the robots’ capabilities, including complex martial arts routines, trampoline leaps reaching three metres, and running speeds of up to four metres per second – roughly 14 kilometers per hour.

Autonomous Performance

According to Unitree CEO Wang Xingxing, speaking to 36Kr, the kung fu segment of the Gala performance was executed “fully autonomously” by the company’s G1 robots. This demonstration underscores the increasing sophistication of Unitree’s technology and its potential for real-world applications.

Did You Know? Unitree Robotics’ humanoid robots demonstrated industry firsts at the 2026 Spring Festival Gala, including trampoline somersaults reaching three metres.

Expert Insight: The rapid advancements showcased by Unitree, and the scale of their projected production, suggest a growing confidence in the viability of humanoid robots. The company’s repeated appearances at a nationally broadcast event like the Spring Festival Gala indicate a strategic effort to build public awareness and potentially signal government support for this emerging technology.

Wang Xingxing anticipates that global humanoid robot shipments could reach “tens of thousands” this year, with Unitree potentially accounting for half or more of that total. This projection positions Unitree as a major player in the burgeoning humanoid robotics market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Unitree Robotics planning for this year?

Unitree Robotics plans to ship as many as 20,000 humanoid robots this year, a significant increase from approximately 5,500 units in 2025.

What capabilities did Unitree’s robots demonstrate at the Spring Festival Gala?

The robots performed complex martial arts routines, leapt from trampolines reaching three metres, climbed walls, and ran at speeds of up to four metres per second (roughly 14 km/h).

Who is the CEO of Unitree Robotics?

The CEO of Unitree Robotics is Wang Xingxing.

As Unitree Robotics ramps up production, what impact might this have on the development and adoption of humanoid robots in various industries?