Unitree H1 is a full-size humanoid from China's Unitree Robotics, unveiled in August 2023. It is about 180 cm tall and weighs about 47 kg, and Unitree quotes a speed of 3.3 m/s. It is used mainly for research, demos and media events, and there is a heavier H1-2 variant with 7-DoF arms.
History and launch
The H1 was Unitree's first full-size humanoid, revealed in August 2023. In March 2024 Unitree released a video of the H1 doing a standing backflip; New Atlas reported it as the first humanoid to land a backflip without hydraulics, using only Unitree's M107 electric joint motors.
The H1 reached a mass audience at the CCTV Spring Festival Gala on 28 January 2025, when more than a dozen H1 robots in folk costume danced the yangge, spinning and tossing red handkerchiefs.
Hardware
Unitree lists the H1 at about 180 cm and 47 kg. Each leg has 5 DoF (three at the hip, knee and ankle) and each arm has 4. The M107 motors reach about 360 Nm at the knee, with a quoted torque density of 189 Nm/kg. The 864 Wh battery is quick-swappable. Perception uses a 3D LiDAR and a depth camera, and compute is Intel Core i5 and i7 with other modules optional.
Unitree claims a speed of 3.3 m/s, which it calls a world record, with potential above 5 m/s. The H1-2 variant is about 178 cm and 70 kg with 27 DoF: 6 per leg and 7 per arm, including a 3-DoF wrist. Its arm handles about 7 kg rated and about 21 kg peak, and Unitree lists its speed as under 2 m/s. Dexterous hands such as the Dex5-1 are optional.
Software and AI
The H1 is a development platform, with a second computer (Core i7) reserved for user software. Unitree attributes its stage performances to AI-driven whole-body motion control. Labs commonly use the H1 for research on reinforcement-learned locomotion and on retargeting human motion to robots.
Use cases and deployments
Buyers are mainly universities, research labs and AI companies, plus shows and events. Unitree does not break out H1 sales; according to its stock-exchange filings it shipped more than 5,500 humanoids across all models in 2025.
Manufacturer
Unitree Robotics was founded in Hangzhou in 2016 and is known for quadrupeds and for the G1, H1, R1 and H2 humanoids. It listed on Shanghai's STAR Market in August 2026.
Price and availability
In 2024 heise reported the H1 starting at $90,000. Unitree's product page now shows no price and directs buyers to sales; pricing depends on the version (H1 or H1-2) and options.
Timeline
- 2023-08 H1 unveiled.
- 2024-03 Backflip video using electric actuators.
- 2025-01 H1 robots dance the yangge at the CCTV Spring Festival Gala.
- 2026-08 Unitree lists in Shanghai.
Sources
- Unitree H1 / H1-2 product page and specifications, Unitree Robotics (2026-10)
- Video: Unitree H1 is first humanoid to nail a backflip without hydraulics, New Atlas (2024-03-21)
- Humanoid robot Unitree G1 costs 16,000 dollars, heise online (2024-05)
- Unitree Robotics humanoid robots steal the show at 2025 CCTV Spring Festival Gala with AI-powered Yangge dance, TechNode (2025-01-29)
- Chinese robot maker Unitree to debut on Shanghai market Wednesday, Xinhua via eHangzhou (2026-08-18)
Updated: 2026-10-10
Verification and limitations
This entry requires an up-to-date manufacturer specification check.
MERA field measurement report: not published. Demonstration footage and manufacturer specifications are not a MERA test under event conditions.
Data and provenance for AI agents ↗Compared with the catalogue
- At 180 cm the Unitree H1 is taller than 88% of the humanoids in the catalogue (median: 170 cm).
- It has 27 degrees of freedom against a catalogue median of 28; more degrees of freedom usually means finer arm and hand movement.
- Its weight of 47 kg (catalogue median: 65 kg) matters for transport and for working around people.
- It is one of 8 Unitree models in the catalogue and one of 128 humanoids from China.
Capabilities
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Unitree H1 cost?
In 2024 it started at $90,000; current quotes come from Unitree's sales team.
How fast is the Unitree H1?
Unitree quotes 3.3 m/s and calls it a world record.
What is the difference between H1 and H1-2?
H1-2 is heavier (about 70 kg), has 27 DoF with 7-DoF arms and carries more, but moves more slowly (under 2 m/s).
Can the Unitree H1 do a backflip?
Yes. In March 2024 Unitree showed a backflip done with electric motors, without hydraulics.
How much does the Unitree H1 weigh?
About 47 kg at roughly 180 cm tall.
How much does the Unitree H1 cost?
According to public information the Unitree H1 is priced at roughly $90,000–$150,000. The Unitree H1 is available in the merarobots.com shop, and MERA Robotics checks every robot before handover. Confirm the current price with an enquiry.
Is the Unitree H1 available to buy?
Status: Shipping: the manufacturer sells and ships this robot.
How tall and heavy is the Unitree H1?
Height: 180 cm, weight: 47 kg, degrees of freedom: 27.
How do I buy the Unitree H1 through MERA Robotics?
Click “I want to buy” or fill in the form on this page. MERA Robotics will reply whether and on what terms the model is available and can help deploy it with the MERA OS conversation system.
Data: Unitree. Specs from the manufacturer; they may change, always confirm with the manufacturer before buying.
