Successful 130,000-step autonomous walk on a -47.4-degree snowfield
Humanoid "robot gala show" announced with 200 robots
China ramps up technological showmanship amid rapid industry growth
The humanoid robot G1 from Chinese robotics company Unitree Robotics succeeded in long-distance autonomous walking in extreme conditions of -47.4 degrees Celsius, symbolically demonstrating a technological leap in China's robotics industry. On February 2, Unitree Robotics released a video titled "World's First: Unitree Humanoid Robot Autonomous Walking Challenge in -47.4°C Extreme Cold" on its YouTube channel "Unitree Robotics." The video shows that G1 walked 130,000 steps in temperatures as low as -47.4 degrees Celsius.
The humanoid robot G1 from Chinese robotics company Unitree Robotics successfully completed long-distance autonomous walking in an extreme environment of -47.4 degrees Celsius, symbolically demonstrating a technological leap for China's robotics industry, according to the YouTube channel 'Unitree Robotics'.
Walking 130,000 steps on a -47-degree snowfield with no human intervention
In a recent experiment conducted on the snowfields of Altay in Xinjiang, China, G1 autonomously walked a total of 130,000 steps, covering about 100 km. This marks the world's first case of a humanoid robot traveling independently for an extended period in an environment of extreme cold and heavy snowfall. Experts assessed that Unitree G1's autonomous walking on the snowfield goes beyond a simple technology demonstration and symbolizes that China's robotics industry is moving from the "showcase stage" to the "practical use stage." Moreover, the steady footsteps of the robot on a -47-degree snowfield clearly illustrate how far China is prepared to push humanoid robots as a next-generation strategic industry.
Unitree Robotics released a video titled "World's First: Unitree Humanoid Robot Autonomous Walking Challenge in 47.4°C Extreme Cold" on its YouTube channel "Unitree Robotics."
The core of this experiment was not simple movement but full autonomy. G1 set its walking route in symbolic shapes drawn on the snow, and used a satellite navigation system to continuously correct its position in real time while maintaining direction and balance. The fact that it did not stop walking despite the slippery snow surface, strong winds, and battery performance degradation caused by extreme cold is of great technical significance. The industry says that "humanoid robots have proven their ability to perform long-distance missions in real natural environments, beyond the confines of the laboratory," and is simultaneously highlighting their potential applications in disaster rescue, polar exploration, and military and logistics fields.
From 'autonomous walking on snowfields' to 'stages without people'
Such technological advances are also expanding into the performing arts. Chinese robot startup Agibot (Zhiyuan Robotics) plans to hold a large-scale robotic performance event, "A Wondrous Night of Robots," on the 8th at 8 p.m. (China Standard Time) for a global audience. The gala show will feature more than 200 humanoid robots taking the lead in every part of the performance, including singing, dancing, runway walks, and audience interaction, and it is reported that there will be no human performers. Chinese media reported that "a performance in which humanoid robots participate on such a large scale is also a world first." Through this event, Agibot plans to comprehensively showcase its core technologies, including interactive intelligence, motor intelligence, task intelligence, and multi-robot collaboration. The event will be broadcast live on Agibot's official platforms and on the online accounts of CTO Peng Zhihui.
These technological advances are also extending into the performing arts. Chinese robot startup Agibot (Jeuwian Robotics) will hold a large-scale robot performance event titled "The Amazing Night of Robots" at 8 p.m. on the 8th for a global audience, Agibot's social media said.
Unitree and Agibot are regarded as representative companies of China's so-called "robot rise." Citing market research firm Omdia, Bloomberg News recently reported that Agibot shipped 5,168 humanoid robots last year, ranking first in the world. China's robotics industry is growing rapidly, backed by a government-led manufacturing upgrade strategy and massive capital investment.
As the sector expands from industrial robots to humanoid and service robots, assessments suggest that China is putting pressure on global competitors in terms of mass-production capacity, price competitiveness, and data accumulation. Headquartered in Shanghai, Agibot was founded in 2023 by former Huawei scientist Peng Zhihui, and Deng Taihua, who previously led the computing products division at Huawei, joined the company as CEO. Investments from Tencent, major venture capital firms, and large manufacturing companies have been pouring in.
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