Unitree’s G1 Robot is Bringing Childhood Dreams to Life
When I was about five, growing up in Bilbao, I received a Christmas present that’s stayed with me my entire life—a robot. It wasn’t just any toy; this robot had a tiny screen on its chest that played a movie of the moon, I could play it all over again. It was late 70s, early 80s technology, and to my young mind, it was a miracle. That little robot made me dream about the future, about what might be possible one day, even us going and living on the moon. Now, nearly 40 years later, I find myself amazed at how far we’ve come, and how those childhood dreams are becoming a reality, thanks to the incredible advancements in AI and robotics.
A Robot Like No Other
The excitement I felt as a child has been reignited by Unitree Robotics and their latest creation, the G1. Standing at 1.32 meters tall and weighing 35 kilograms, the G1 is a marvel of modern technology. It’s not just a gadget; it’s a sign of how far we’ve come. This robot moves with an almost human-like grace, thanks to its 23 degrees of freedom, allowing it to walk at 2 meters per second and even handle a payload of 10 kilograms.
But what really strikes me is its ability to see and hear the world around it. The G1 is equipped with 3D LiDAR and a depth camera, enabling it to navigate its environment with remarkable precision. It responds to voice commands too—something that seemed like pure science fiction when I was a kid. And with a battery life of up to two hours, it’s more than just a toy; it’s a functional piece of technology that could soon become part of our daily lives.
A Leap Into the Future
Thinking back to the technological milestones I’ve witnessed over the decades, from the rise of the internet to the advent of smartphones, or even now certain regulations that discuss our brain waves privacy, it’s clear that we’re on the brink of another major shift. The G1 and technologies like it represent that shift—a moment where AI steps out of our screens and into the physical world even more prominently (Sophia gave a hint). When I first encountered the internet in the 90s, it was revolutionary. The smartphone in 2008 brought the world into our pockets. Then, in 2022, generative AI burst onto the scene, showing us that machines could think and create in ways we never imagined. Now, with the G1, AI isn’t just thinking—it’s moving, interacting, and even working alongside us.
As I look at the G1 and others similar, I can only imagine a future where these robots are in our homes, helping with tasks, cooking, cleaning, caring, maybe even moving furniture when we need it. It’s a bit surreal, but exciting too. And with companies like Tesla, Figure, and Nvidia developing their own humanoid robots, it’s clear that this technology is about to take off. The competition is heating up, and that means we, as consumers, are in for a treat with better, more affordable options coming our way.
The Future is Closer Than We Think
Reflecting on this journey, from that small robot toy in the 70s to the G1 today, it’s incredible to see how technology has evolved. The G1 might come with a $16,000 price tag now, but who knows what the future holds?
But with all this excitement, it’s worth asking—are we ready for this leap or others like The Singularity? Are we prepared to welcome AI into our physical world in such a tangible way? It’s a question that lingers as I watch the G1 take its first steps into our lives. For someone who’s seen the world change so dramatically, it’s a mix of nostalgia and anticipation. The future I dreamed of as a child is here, and it’s more real than I ever imagined.
For those who want to explore this brave new world, here are some resources that might interest you:
Unitree Robotics G1 Official Page
To close on an open note, the G1 isn’t just a robot; it’s a reaity stepping out into the real world. And as someone who’s seen these changes unfold, I can’t help but wonder—what’s next?
Jose Larrucea 