Move first, then work. This is a message Unitree has emphasized on its official website for a long time.

This afternoon, Unitree finally released updates on the progress of robots in the home use field. In its latest video showcasing its full-body teleoperation platform, Unitree not only demonstrated improved movement capabilities of the G1 under teleoperation but also, for the first time, revealed its side as a household assistant. Whether it's taking out the trash, wiping tables, washing dishes, or sweeping the floor, the G1 can perform these household chores smoothly.

However, it should be noted that these demos are still conducted via teleoperation and are not completed independently by the robot.

Given the current state of industry development, no one dares to claim a breakthrough in robot "brain" technology. The entire industry remains relatively dependent on teleoperation; otherwise, 1X would not have sent the NEO robot into users' homes to collect real-world data despite the significant public pressure.

In a context where industry focus is shifting toward home applications and public demand for robots entering homes to work is growing stronger, the timing of Unitree's announcement regarding its robot's household capabilities is quite strategic.

Currently, from movement to home use, Unitree is following a path that suits its strengths.

Motion Capabilities Upgraded Again

Throughout the video, G1's performance in motion capabilities remains exceptionally smooth, which is also a strong aspect of Unitree's long-term technological accumulation.

G1 immediately demonstrated its footwork skills. During the soccer kick, its leg dexterity was quite high, faithfully replicating the operator's movements, and it concluded with a toe-poke shot.

After playing soccer, G1 followed teleoperation to perform tricks with a golden cudgel (Ruyi Jingu Bang). This skill heavily tests hand capabilities; although the dexterous hands equipped on G1 appear somewhat large, they completed the 'cudgel tricking' performance smoothly.

Next came G1's most familiar boxing segment. Previously, most G1 boxing matches we saw lacked full-body teleoperation, often resulting in punches being dodged or the robot punching air. With full-body teleoperation, a more interesting point is that the robot gains stronger external support, significantly increasing the excitement level of the boxing match.

In the video, during teleoperation, both operators directly instructed G1 to strike vital points of its opponent, delivering punches and front kicks without mercy. One can look forward to G1's boxing matches in the future; if combined with the previously demonstrated "anti-gravity" mode for improving stability and quickly getting up after falling, this match might truly require professional-level referees to determine the winner.

Additionally, G1 can learn full-body human movements from the video in real time, which undoubtedly further enhances its motion capabilities. After demonstrating its athletic prowess, G1 then began to showcase its household chore capabilities.

Household Chore Capabilities Are Being Filled In

Over the past half year, there has been a significant shift in expectations regarding robot capabilities. Previously, robots dancing or boxing could garner considerable audience enthusiasm. However, things have changed now; mere performances only lead people to question what practical use robots actually have. Thus, it is no surprise that comments sections under many robot dancing videos are filled with discussions about when robots will finally be able to work inside homes.

Having accumulated various advantages in motion capabilities, Unitree has taken a crucial step toward the home-use direction.

In a demonstration of household chores, G1 first showcased its trash-handling skills. Under teleoperation, it bent down to pick up a can from the table, stepped on a pedal to open the trash bin, and threw the can inside, completing the entire workflow in about 6 seconds.

G1 also performed other chores such as picking up fallen backrests and sweeping floors at a notably fast pace.

Next, G1 picked up a towel to wipe stains off the table surface and removed foreign objects from a plate. Picking up the plate tested G1's dexterity; handling fragile plates requires precise force control—too light, and it might slip; too heavy, and the plate could break.

Upon seeing clothes on the bed, G1 picked them up and stored them in a box. Folding them slightly beforehand would have been better, but folding clothes remains a challenge for robots due to the complex force control and modeling required.

When family members are working and get thirsty, G1 can walk over to serve them a glass of water or some fruit.

However, the capabilities demonstrated by G1 so far are not autonomous; they are teleoperated.

Of course, many people have an innate resistance to terms like 'teleoperation.' For a long time, omnipotent robots in various films and TV shows have left a deep impression on audiences. Coupled with the significant advancements in the locomotion capabilities of humanoid robots from late last year to this year, many people have begun to unrealistically inflate their expectations of robotic capabilities.

But the reality is that the robot's 'brain' remains a challenging bottleneck for the entire industry. Teaching robots to act autonomously is a capital-intensive track that requires global collaboration to overcome. It would be wise to lower our expectations regarding robots performing autonomous chores at home.

In fact, since the release of the Figure 03 home robot, the focus of attention in the robotics industry has quietly shifted. The ability to operate in a home environment has become a key standard for evaluating robotic capabilities. Whether it was 1X previously or Unitree now, both are concentrating their efforts in the home sector. Therefore, in the future, we will see more robotics manufacturers showcasing their home-use capabilities. Simply putting on performances no longer suffices.