Humanoid robot G1 showcases AI potential at MWC 2025

The growing market for humanoid robots looks set to continue in the coming years, with companies vying to be the first to get a viable android into our daily lives.

At the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona, Chinese firm Unitree Robotics gave visitors the chance to get up close with their AI-powered G1 humanoid robot, designed to assist humans across multiple fields and is positioned as an affordable, accessible solution.

The G1 robot stands at approx. 130 cm and weighs around 35 kilograms, making it a compact yet powerful figure. Capable of walking at a speed of about 2m/s or just over 4 miles-per-hour, the G1 robot demonstrates a range of high-load dynamic movements.

The G1 comes equipped with a 3D lidar, allowing it to achieve 360° detection and perception of its surroundings. This advanced sensor technology, along with its ability to accommodate additional sensors depending on its final application, makes the G1 a versatile and adaptable tool for a variety of uses.

Ethan Garcia-Norro, from Unitree Spain, explained some of the wide-ranging potential of these robots.

"Once the robot is programmed, it will be able to do whatever we want with it. It can have police applications, firefighting or army applications, to industry and private applications to take care of children and also health applications," he said.

Garcia-Norro Emphasized that the G1 robot is designed to assist, not replace, humans.

G1 is based on deep reinforcement learning and simulation training, and uses the accelerated development of AI to continuously upgrade and evolve.

Priced from $16,000, Unitree's G1 humanoid robot looks to a future where robotic home help could become an everyday reality. It will be joined by multiple that startups are foraying into the robotic space.