China’s Unitree Robotics Debuts ‘Transformable Manned Mecha’
By Greg Bock · · 1 min read · Updated 19 May 2026
Insider Brief
- Unitree Robotics unveiled a $650,000 piloted mecha platform called the GD01 that can transform from a two-legged humanoid configuration into a four-legged quadruped system.
- The company released video footage showing the 500-kilogram robot operating both with and without a human pilot while maneuvering through urban environments and traversing obstacles.
- According to China Daily, the launch comes as Unitree prepares for a potential listing on Shanghai’s STAR Market, which could make it the first publicly traded humanoid robotics company on China’s A-share market.
Unitree Robotics has unveiled a $650,000 mecha that can transform from two legs to four.
“The world’s first production-ready manned mecha,” the company noted in a LinkedIn post about the 500 kg GD01, which it noted for civilian use. “It can transform.”
The Chinese robotics company posted a video along with the short announcement showing the GD01 maeuvering with and without a human operator, walking a city street set and knocking down a cinder block wall before bending backwards to become a quadruped.
According to China Daily, the launch comes as Unitree prepares for a potential listing on Shanghai’s STAR Market, which could make it the first publicly traded humanoid robotics company on China’s A-share market.
“Please everyone be sure to use the robot in a friendly and safe manner,” the company added.
Image credit: Unitree Robotics
