Unitree Unveils H2 Humanoid: 180cm, 70kg, Ballet and Kung Fu Capable

Unitree, a prominent Chinese robotics firm, released its fourth humanoid robot, the H2, on October 20. The new model stands 180 centimeters tall and weighs 70 kilograms. Compared with its predecessor, the H1, the H2 brings noticeable improvements in motion fluidity and biomimetic design.

The H1 weighed approximately 47 kilograms, while the H2 tips the scales at around 70 kilograms. This yields a body mass index (BMI) of 21.6, making its proportions closely resemble those of an average human. The added weight did not come at the cost of agility, according to Unitree, which says the H2 moves more smoothly than the H1.

The total joint count has climbed to 31, a roughly 19% increase over the 26 joints found in the R1, which was released in July. This places the H2 among the more articulated humanoid robots currently available. The increase in joints and weight indicates that Unitree is pushing the boundaries of what a full-size humanoid can do.

These 31 joints are spread across the arms, legs, and torso. Each arm contains six joints, totaling 12; each leg has seven joints, totaling 14; the torso houses three joints; and two additional functional joints have not yet had their purpose revealed. The arms' six joints each allow for complex movements, from lifting to precise manipulation. The legs' seven joints each provide stability and flexibility for walking, running, and balancing. The three torso joints enable twisting and bending, while the two undisclosed joints might be reserved for future capabilities.

Overall, the H2 represents a step forward in Unitree's humanoid lineup, combining a heavier, more human-like frame with a higher degree of articulation.

Despite weighing 70 kilograms, the H2 does not appear clumsy. On the contrary, it performs various actions with greater fluidity, and its mobility and joint control are closer to human movement. In a video released by Unitree, the H2 performed a standard ballet dance on stage, with both hand and foot movements described as elegant. It also demonstrated a set of Chinese martial arts, including standing on one leg, kicking, and making attacking hand gestures, all without any stiffness. If it can handle such difficult moves as dancing and kung fu, stable walking and running are certainly within its capabilities.

Compared with the H1, the H2 is not only more agile in walking but also features a human-like face for the first time. Some commenters online said it is the world's most human-like biomimetic robot, suggesting that science fiction is becoming reality. Others noted that the face resembles the robots from the sci-fi film I, Robot. The final look of the H2 in the video also reminded viewers of the poster for the first season of the sci-fi series Westworld.

Unitree currently has three humanoid robots. The H1, released in August 2023, is a high-end general-purpose humanoid. The G1, launched last May, and the R1, released in July this year, are entry-level consumer humanoids. Only the H series consists of full-size humanoids. At last year's Spring Festival Gala, Unitree brought the H1, dressed in a traditional northeastern Chinese floral jacket and holding a handkerchief, to perform an AI yangge dance. Over the two years from H1 to H2, joint control and balance algorithms have been optimized. High-performance algorithms enable the robot to carry 70 kilograms while adaptively adjusting its center of gravity to achieve diverse movements.

The improved capabilities have broadened the H2's application prospects, from industrial automated inspection and warehouse handling to entertainment demonstrations and companion services closer to ordinary users. It can replace humans in completing tasks in dangerous or confined spaces, and it can also provide more humanized experiences in accessibility services.

Wang Xingxing, Unitree's founder, previously said at the Global Digital Trade Expo that the average growth rate of Chinese intelligent robot companies has reached 50% to 100%. The 1986 Chinese sci-fi film Dislocation depicted a robot identical to the protagonist, doing tedious work on his behalf while he stayed at home. That stage will not arrive immediately, but the emergence of the H2 makes the prototype of the future a bit more concrete.

From H1 to H2, Unitree has pushed both motion capability and biomimetic features forward on its full-size humanoid line. The next question is whether the H2's 31 joints and 70-kilogram weight correspond to stronger operational capabilities or better performance effects. These two directions impose different requirements on product definition.