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Interview with Sharpa’s Alicia Veneziani: ‘Dexterous manipulation is the key to useful humanoid robots’

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Much of the recent excitement surrounding humanoid robots has focused on increasingly impressive demonstrations of walking, running, jumping, and balancing. Yet many robotics experts argue that locomotion, while important, is only part of the challenge.

The bigger obstacle to creating genuinely useful humanoid robots may be something far more familiar to humans: the ability to use their hands.

Among the companies focused on solving this problem is Sharpa, a Singapore-based robotics startup developing dexterous robotic hands, tactile sensing systems, and embodied AI technologies designed to enable robots to interact more effectively with the physical world. [Read more…] about Interview with Sharpa’s Alicia Veneziani: ‘Dexterous manipulation is the key to useful humanoid robots’

Japan trials humanoid robots for airport operations as labor shortages intensify

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Japan Airlines is set to trial humanoid robots for ground handling operations at Haneda Airport, as the aviation industry looks for ways to address mounting labor shortages.

The initiative, developed in partnership with GMO Internet Group, will begin in May and marks one of the first real-world deployments of human-shaped robots in airport ramp operations.

According to reporting by Gulf News and The Guardian, the trial will run through 2028, with robots initially operating in controlled environments before being gradually introduced into live airport workflows. [Read more…] about Japan trials humanoid robots for airport operations as labor shortages intensify

China creates first national standards for humanoid robots to support industry scale-up

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China has introduced its first comprehensive national standard framework for humanoid robots, marking a significant step toward scaling the industry from early experimentation to large-scale commercialization.

The framework – titled the “Humanoid Robot and Embodied Intelligence Standard System” (2026 Edition) – was presented at a technical committee meeting in Beijing on February 28, 2026, bringing together more than 120 researchers, executives, and policymakers. [Read more…] about China creates first national standards for humanoid robots to support industry scale-up

Awkward question: What will be the ‘killer app’ for humanoid robots?

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Tesla’s latest humanoid demonstration – a kung fu routine performed by its Optimus robot for actor Jared Leto – was clearly designed to impress.

But, as dramatic and as thought-provoking as it was, the spectacle raised an awkward question: what will be the “killer app” for humanoid robots?

“Killer app” is a phrase to mean the defining use case that makes a technology indispensable. In every major technology shift, there’s been a defining use case – a killer app – that turned novelty into necessity. For early personal computers, it was spreadsheets – programs like VisiCalc and later Excel that justified owning a machine running DOS. [Read more…] about Awkward question: What will be the ‘killer app’ for humanoid robots?

Unitree unveils new ‘Destiny Awakening’ humanoid robot

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Chinese robotics company Unitree has introduced its latest humanoid robot, the H2, described as a “graceful rebirth” of industrial design and motion control.

Standing 182 cm tall and weighing around 70 kg, the H2 features a streamlined metallic frame built from aircraft-grade aluminum, titanium alloy and high-strength plastics.

It is powered by low-inertia, high-speed permanent magnet synchronous motors that deliver up to 360 N·m of joint torque in the legs and 120 N·m in the arms, giving the robot impressive mobility and balance. [Read more…] about Unitree unveils new ‘Destiny Awakening’ humanoid robot

Walmart reportedly selling Unitree humanoid robots on its website: Retail reality or PR stunt?

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A photograph (main image) has been circulating online this week showing a Walmart product listing for the Unitree G1 humanoid robot, priced at $21,600.

TechNode first reported the story in English, after having apparently discovered it on IThome. Technode noted that Walmart’s website briefly carried a page offering the robot for sale with free shipping and a six-unit limit per customer.

But we checked that Walmart page and the listing can no longer be found. Walmart’s website now returns the message “We couldn’t find this page” when the supposed link is accessed.

However, if you look at the URL for the page, it does mention the “Unitree G1 Basic” (the official company image which we have displayed for you below). This lends credibility to the story – what else could have been on that Walmart page and be described as a “Unitree G1 Basic”? [Read more…] about Walmart reportedly selling Unitree humanoid robots on its website: Retail reality or PR stunt?

Unitree Robotics planning an IPO valuing it at $7 billion

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China’s Unitree Robotics is planning an initial public offering (IPO) that could value the company at up to 50 billion yuan ($7 billion), according to a report on CNBC. This move highlights the intense global competition in the humanoid robot sector.

Hangzhou-based Unitree has become one of the most prominent in China’s humanoid robotics space. Its planned IPO would make it one of the first companies specializing in this technology to go public, signaling strong investor confidence.

Unitree’s growth is part of a broader, state-backed push in China to lead in advanced technologies like robotics and AI. The government has placed humanoids at the “centre of their national strategy”, supporting the industry through initiatives like a massive trillion-yuan fund for tech startups. [Read more…] about Unitree Robotics planning an IPO valuing it at $7 billion

Historic debut of the World Humanoid Robot Games kicks off in Beijing

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The inaugural World Humanoid Robot Games (WHRG) roared into life yesterday evening at the iconic National Speed Skating Oval – the “Ice Ribbon” from the 2022 Winter Olympics. (See video below.)

A dazzling opening ceremony saw humanoid robots break into hip-hop dance routines, martial arts displays, and live musical performances on keyboards, guitars, and drums.

One robot even scored a soccer goal; another fell but got back up unaided, while a model bot tumbled off the stage and had to be carried by staff – underscoring both the spectacle and the still-evolving nature of the technology. [Read more…] about Historic debut of the World Humanoid Robot Games kicks off in Beijing

China opens world’s first humanoid robot store. Will the Western world follow?

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China has opened what is being described as the world’s first dedicated humanoid robot store, called “Robot Mall”, offering customers the chance to browse and buy from more than 40 different brands of androids.

Located in Beijing, the shop is part showroom, part dealership, and part interactive exhibition. Visitors can see robots performing a variety of tasks – from greeting customers and demonstrating language skills, to lifting and carrying objects.

The store’s operators say it marks a milestone in bringing humanoid robotics into everyday life, offering models suited for entertainment, education, customer service, and light industrial work. [Read more…] about China opens world’s first humanoid robot store. Will the Western world follow?

Unitree unveils new A2 quadruped robot with 100 kg load capacity and 20 km range

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Unitree Robotics has launched its most advanced quadruped robot to date – the Unitree A2 – positioning it as a rugged and versatile platform for industrial deployment across inspection, logistics, and research applications. (See video below.)

Weighing 37 kg (81.6 lbs) unloaded, the A2 boasts a maximum standing load of 100 kg (220 lbs) and can walk while carrying up to 25 kg (55 lbs).

On a single charge, the robot can walk continuously for up to 20 km (12.4 miles) unloaded, or 12.5 km (7.8 miles) when fully loaded. Runtime can be extended via hot-swappable dual batteries designed for uninterrupted missions. [Read more…] about Unitree unveils new A2 quadruped robot with 100 kg load capacity and 20 km range