Humanoid Robots in China: From Walking to Flipping

In a remarkable display of technological progress, a humanoid robot measuring 1.38 meters in height and weighing 40 kilograms showcased its running abilities at Shenzhen Talent Park. The event attracted a crowd of amazed spectators who quickly recorded the impressive performance on their mobile devices.

This demonstration was not just for entertainment but represented a significant achievement in the development of humanoid robotics in China, led by the Shenzhen-based company, EngineAI.

Running poses more complex challenges for robots as compared to walking. It requires rapid responses from the actuators, strong resistance to impacts, and precise adjustments to maintain posture—thanks to high-accuracy sensors capable of detecting uneven ground.

Prior to this running test, EngineAI's team had already achieved a groundbreaking milestone by executing the world's first front flip by a humanoid robot. While this might seem like an easy stunt, it relies heavily on the advancement of mechanical design, control systems, and sensing technologies.

Ren Guowen, co-founder of EngineAI, explained that front flips demand a unique combination of explosive power and precise control. Achieving this balance involves using lightweight materials alongside high-performance components.

The robot's joint modules, which account for nearly 60% of its overall weight, became the focus of optimization. Using a novel approach to dynamic joint technology, the EngineAI team greatly enhanced the robot's agility while significantly reducing its weight.

Historically, humanoid robots have struggled with restricted movements, often limited to stiff, knee-bent walking patterns due to mechanical and sensor constraints. However, in October 2024, EngineAI successfully developed a “straight-knee gait” that allows robots to move more fluidly and naturally, similar to human locomotion.

The road to achieving such robotic acrobatics has not been without its setbacks. Co-founder Yao Qiyuan shared various clips showing the robots experiencing falls—backward tumbles, face plants, and sideways skids, with their metallic joints clanging against the ground.

A pivotal moment in their journey occurred when the addition of a 500-gram head disrupted the robot’s balance, leading to a noticeable drop in successful flips. Initially, engineers had imagined a strategy focused solely on perfect landings, which called for millimeter-level precision.

After months of failures, the team realized that humans don’t freeze mid-air; they adapt. "Why should robots have to land in a static position?" asked Ren. This new understanding led the team to allow the robot to take two stabilizing steps upon landing, mimicking human reflexive movements.

With this adjustment, the robot could crouch, build momentum, launch into the air, perform a full flip, and land stably.

Following the viral reception of humanoid robots executing front flips, researchers in Beijing recently announced robots capable of completing consecutive backflips. Zhao Tongyang, another co-founder of EngineAI, shared plans to introduce cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology to expand the robots' use from industrial settings to everyday applications this year.

“Once we perfect mobility, adding intelligence will unlock countless opportunities,” he remarked.

As the robotics sector in China continues to evolve rapidly, experts predict swift commercialization of these advanced technologies. Bi Yalei, from the Shenzhen Robotics Association, noted, "With maturing technology and faster industrial integration, we will soon see robots 'sprinting' into homes".

Thus, China's humanoid robots are boldly making great strides into the future, showcasing advancements from basic walking to complex flipping maneuvers.

robotics, technology, innovation