Robot maker deepens European presence

Global expansion

Huang described Europe as a key component of Unitree's global footprint.

"Europe has always been a key market for us," he said. "Overseas markets account for about half of our total revenue."

He added that Unitree also supplies core components in addition to complete robots and pointed to broader application areas, including entertainment robotics projects that use Unitree hardware at foundational levels and expanding application scenarios across multiple sectors.

"For quadruped robots, we already have applications in inspection and fire response," he said. "In the future, we hope to expand into logistics and transportation."

He also sees strong potential in consumer markets.

"Consumer-grade quadruped robots may take on companion roles in households," he said.

Huang emphasized the likely long-term societal impact of humanoid robots, with the ultimate vision being broad adoption.

"Our goal is to improve how people work and live," he said. "In complex and repetitive environments, humanoid robots can operate 24 hours a day and take on difficult tasks. Our final goal is for robots to enter every household and handle daily tasks such as cleaning and cooking."

Huang highlighted care of the elderly as a particularly promising application area.

"Compared with household applications, it may achieve large-scale adoption earlier," he said, noting that the structure of the sector makes it suitable for early deployment.

"The tasks in elderly care are clearer and more defined, so it may be one of the earliest commercially viable applications."

In Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, Unitree headquarters employee Xie Shiyu described mixed emotions when the company's robots attracted international attention during a visit by Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz in February.

"We felt very excited, but also a bit nervous," she said. "At the same time, we were very proud … Germany is a globally recognized manufacturing powerhouse. This visit represents recognition of both Chinese robotics technology and Unitree."

On international expansion, Xie added: "Domestic and overseas markets are equally important for us. From the very beginning, we have focused on both."

Contact the writer at zhangzhouxiang@chinadaily.com.cn.