The $29,000 H2 is joining a growing army of Chinese machines that solve real-world problems in logistics, care, and labor.

A new humanoid robot from China’s Unitree Robotics has captivated global audiences last month with capabilities of performing tasks that need physical precision and coordination, signaling a strategic pivot in the global robotics race from theatrical demonstrations to functional, real-world deployment.

While its static, mannequin-like face isn’t worth a praise, the AI-powered bipedal machine has been engineered for performance – as seen in a promotional video doing a slow pirouette, dropping a martial arts stance, and striding forward with surprising grace.

The 1.82-meter tall, 70-kilogram model H2 runs on an Intel Core i5 processor and NVIDIA’s Jetson AGX Thor AI chip. It features 31 degrees of freedom, advanced motion control, and a three-hour operational runtime thanks to a 75.6 V premium lithium battery capacitating 15Ah (0.972 kWh).

Utility first, charisma optional

H2 is not quite emotional – a way to say – as it doesn’t smile or express sorrow, nor blinks as some advanced machines can do, which are not necessary for the tasks it’s been designed for, the manufacturer notes. Instead, it’s about practicality, affordability and modularity.

If needed, though, the robot can be upgraded for nicer aesthetic, with new functions, a friendly “face” and additional vocabulary, depending on the field of employment.

Technically, the H2 is built for flexibility. Its motor systems produce up to 360 newton-meters of torque in the legs, enabling it to lift objects and stabilize itself dynamically.

It carries dual wide-angle cameras for spatial awareness, along with microphones and speakers for basic human-robot interaction.

Automated labor force

This development comes as China – already home to the world’s largest robotic workforce – rapidly accelerates its bipedal humanoid program, a field once dominated by Western research labs and robotic companies.

Unitree, however, cares less about Western competitors than domestic suppliers. Its H2 model, priced at $29,000 will fight for a market share from firms like Ubtech and Zhiyuan Robotics, whose robots are already regular workers at Chinese plants and in service roles.

More to read:
[video] Boston Dynamics releases video of humanoid robot performing breakdancing moves

While Western counterparts often showcase capabilities at tech expos, Chinese firms are actively securing government and private contracts, focusing on affordable, reliable, and scalable machines that solve real-world problems in logistics, care, and labor.

This push is backed by substantial public investment, with Beijing labeling humanoid robotics a “strategic emerging industry” in its current Five-Year Plan.

More to read:
[video] What would Chinese teach a robot? Kung-Fu, of course!

The practical approach is yielding commercial results. According to procurement data tracked by Tianyancha, Unitree won 25 public bidding projects in the first half of 2025 alone. Meanwhile, its domestic rival, Ubtech, has secured hundreds of millions of yuan in industrial orders for robots with self-charging capabilities and advanced perception systems.

A 2024 report by Kaiyuan Securities revealed that Unitree shipped over 1,400 humanoid robots last year, making it the leading manufacturer by volume globally. Concurrently, Ubtech’s robots have reportedly reached 30% human-equivalent work efficiency in factory trials, with projections of crossing the 50% threshold by early 2026.

More to read:
First World Humanoid Robot Games are held in Beijing

These figures are part of a strategic shift toward automated labor solutions, driven by demographic pressures. China’s National Bureau of Statistics projects that by 2035, over 30% of the population will be over the age of 60. As the human labor force shrinks and healthcare demands grow, humanoid robots are increasingly framed as a necessary supplement rather than a futuristic luxury.

With its innovation drive and manufacturing scale, China is well positioned to export this new class of labor globally. Compared with Boston Dynamic's $500,000-1 million tag per Atlas unit, Chinese models will surely capture the attention of employers worldwide.