Chinese robotics company Unitree unveiled a humanoid robot named “Superman” that can jump two meters vertically and run at 12.658 meters per second [1].
The announcement signals a significant leap in robotic agility and power, positioning Unitree as a primary competitor in the global race for advanced humanoid technology.
Unitree shared a video of the robot on Weibo, demonstrating capabilities that the company said surpass human biological limits. The robot, which has a leg length of 0.85 meters [2], achieved a vertical jump of two meters [1, 2] from a standing position.
Beyond jumping, the company focused on the robot's sprinting capabilities. Unitree said the robot runs at 12.658 meters per second [1]. For comparison, the company said this exceeds the 12.4 meters per second record set by Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt in 2009 [1].
This technological demonstration comes as Unitree prepares for a public offering on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. The company's IPO plans include a share price of 150.8 yuan [1].
Financial targets for the company are ambitious. Unitree said it aims to raise 61 billion yuan through the IPO [1]. This capital injection is intended to support further research, and development into humanoid robotics. The company is targeting a post-IPO valuation of 610 billion yuan [1].
While the robot's physical specifications are impressive, the company has not yet detailed the specific actuators or power sources that allow for such explosive movement. The "Superman" model is part of a broader strategy to transition from quadrupedal robots to fully humanoid forms capable of navigating human environments with superior athleticism.
“The robot runs at 12.658 meters per second.”
The introduction of the 'Superman' robot highlights a shift in humanoid development from simple balance and walking to high-performance athleticism. By benchmarking its success against world-record human athletes and timing the reveal alongside a massive IPO, Unitree is attempting to attract investors by proving that robotic hardware can now exceed the physical constraints of human biology.
