China’s humanoid robot pulls 3,086-pound car with power and control

Researchers at the Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence (BAAI) have demonstrated a humanoid robot, the Unitree G1, pulling a car weighing 3,086 pounds (1,400 kg) across a flat surface. Despite the robot’s relatively light weight of 77 pounds (35 kg) and height of 132 cm (4.3 ft), it maintained balance and control using advanced AI-powered dynamic stability. The footage shows the robot adjusting its posture, crouching to exert force much like a human, to overcome initial traction challenges. This achievement builds on previous Unitree G1 capabilities such as walking, jumping, and backflips, indicating progress toward humanoids capable of operating in complex, industrial, or service environments. The demonstration received mixed reactions online, with some praising the robot’s strength and others questioning the authenticity and practical significance of the feat. Skeptics pointed out factors like the coefficient of friction, the presence of a driver inside the car potentially assisting the pull, and the