Unitree Robotics: From Robot Dogs to Humanoids

In June 2025, Unitree Robotics secured a significant Series C funding round, attracting investments from major Chinese tech giants including Tencent, Alibaba, Ant Group, China Mobile, and Geely. This influx of capital pushed the company’s valuation beyond $1 billion.

Just months earlier, in February, Unitree’s humanoid robots took center stage at China’s Spring Festival Gala, performing a synchronized dance with human performers. The sleek black-and-white machines captivated a national audience, marking a defining moment for the young company.

From Garage to Global Stage

Wang Xingxing, Unitree’s founder and CEO, didn’t follow a conventional path to success. Despite struggling academically, Wang’s passion for tinkering set the foundation for his future in robotics. After winning a robotics design contest with his prototype “XDog” in 2015, Wang realized the potential of small, electrically actuated quadrupeds.

In 2016, Wang left his job at DJI to found Hangzhou Unitree Technology. The company quickly gained traction with its first commercial product, Laikago, a mid-sized quadruped robot. Unlike Boston Dynamics’ expensive prototypes, Unitree focused on cost-effective manufacturing, making high-performance robots accessible to a broader market.

Rapid Innovation and Market Dominance

Unitree’s commitment to vertical integration and cost-effective engineering allowed it to rapidly iterate and improve its products. By 2021, the company had delivered nearly 1,000 units globally, a feat that earned it recognition as “the Chinese Boston Dynamics.” However, Wang emphasized that Unitree was on its own path, leveraging the Chinese supply chain to create low-cost, high-performance robots.

Media Moments and Public Recognition

Unitree’s breakthrough into public consciousness came in 2021 when its A1 quadrupeds, disguised as “Benben the Ox,” performed on the Spring Festival Gala. This appearance triggered a surge in interest and orders for Unitree’s robots. The company’s presence at major events continued, including the Beijing Winter Olympics and the Super Bowl pre-game show, further cementing its status as a leading robotics innovator.

Looking Ahead

With over 60% of the global market share in quadruped robots and a focus on affordability and performance, Unitree is poised to continue its rapid growth. The company’s latest humanoid robot, H1, marks a significant step in bringing advanced robotics into everyday life.

Unitree’s journey from a garage project to a global leader in robotics is a testament to the power of innovation, cost-effective engineering, and strategic marketing. As the company continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, the future of robotics looks brighter than ever.