This robot invention can do backflips better than a gymnast

April 2, 2024

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The Unitree H1 robot is literally flipping the script on what humanoid robots can do. This bipedal robot attracted attention by successfully performing a backflip while standing without the use of hydraulics. That’s right, there are no bulky, leaky hydraulics here, just pure electrical dexterity.

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Unitree H1 robot (Unitree) (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)

Unique design of backflip robot

You may be wondering, “Have you ever seen a robot do a backflip?” Sure, Boston Dynamics’ Atlas has somersaulted onto our social media feeds for a while, but it’s always had the help of hydraulics.

H1Meanwhile, this smart M107 electric joint motor is a powerful motor with a maximum torque of 360 Nm (or 265.5 lb-ft) each. And guess what? These motors are not just for show. These are the same ones that power Unitree’s four-legged friend, his B2 quadruped.

This robot invention can do backflips better than gymnasts

Unitree H1 robot (Unitree) (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)

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Backflip robot specifications

The H1 is 71 inches tall, weighs 104 pounds, and can carry payloads up to 66 pounds. I don’t have human-like hands yet, but that’s on my to-do list. The H1 has already broken speed records, sprinting at 11.4 miles per hour.

Unitree H1 robot (Unitree) (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)

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Innovative design of backflip robot

Now let’s talk about design. H1’s legs are a marvel of engineering, giving him three degrees of freedom at the hip, knee and ankle. Plus, all the wiring is hidden inside, so there’s no tripping over cables and smooth, clean lines. The head is equipped with 3D LiDAR and an Intel RealSense depth camera to provide a panoramic view of its surroundings. Powering all this is a large 864 Wh battery that can be swapped out quickly.

Unitree H1 robot (Unitree) (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)

Perfectly train your backflip robot

So how did H1 learn this acrobatic trick? Through a reinforcement learning simulation, it practiced as hard as it could until it pulled off a near-perfect backflip, with the exception of a small corrective hop at the end. It’s like watching an Olympic gymnast keep landing.

Unitree H1 robot (Unitree) (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)

More than a flip

H1 has built-in AI technology that can learn and perform a variety of tasks, including backflips. AI allows H1 to adapt to different scenarios, whether in industrial or service sectors.

Sure, backflips may not seem like a necessary skill for a robot, but they’re a flashy way to show off H1’s agility. And it’s not just a one-trick pony. The robot has already learned how to walk fast, go up and down stairs, and even dance. Let’s talk about rhythmic robots.

Unitree H1 robot (Unitree) (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)

The price of innovation

Now, here’s the important thing. The H1 is new, but it already comes with a price tag of around $90,000.

Cart important points

Unitree H1 is more than just a robot. It offers a glimpse into a future where humanoids might invade our lives by flipping, dancing, and walking. And with its impressive specs and acrobatic talent, her H1 is one of the robots to keep an eye on.

As robots like Unitree H1 begin to do things we never thought possible, it’s very likely that robots will take over jobs currently performed by humans. What do you think about this? Please let us know by email. Cyberguy.com/Contact.