Robot Bodyguard Unveiled

* 22 October 2026 *

Chinese robotics giant Unitree has unveiled a kung fu humanoid robot designed to disarm attackers, lift cars during emergencies and rescue people from danger.

The H2-X, dubbed “Kung Fu Legend: Guardian,” was introduced in a promotional video released Wednesday, showing the robot performing a series of security and rescue operations.

In one scene, it disarms a knife-wielding intruder threatening a woman. In another, it lifts a car to free a trapped person, while a separate sequence shows it pulling a pedestrian away from an oncoming vehicle. It is also shown smashing a car door.

However, Unitree, the world’s largest humanoid robot manufacturer by sales, has not clarified whether the demonstrations were autonomous, preprogrammed or remotely controlled. It has not established whether the robot can independently identify threats and respond safely in unpredictable real-world situations.

The H2-X builds on Unitree’s H2 humanoid robot, which stands 1.8 meters tall and weighs approximately 70 kilograms. The original H2 has 31 degrees of freedom, allowing movement across multiple joints, and a maximum leg-joint torque of 360 newton-meters, according to the South China Morning Post.

In the video’s description, Unitree said the H2-X was designed to “serve and guard you,” with a maximum endurance of approximately eight hours. It did not specify whether that figure applies to active operation or standing.

It has not disclosed the robot’s price or release date. It also warned against dangerous modifications and unauthorized uses, advising people to maintain a safety distance of at least two to three meters.

The unveiling comes as Unitree seeks to move beyond eye-catching demonstrations toward practical applications for its humanoid robots.

Speaking at the China International Industry Fair in Shanghai earlier this month, Unitree founder Wang Xingxing predicted that humanoid robots could reach a “ChatGPT moment” within one or two years as AI advances accelerate, China Daily reported.

He said the company was already testing robots in automobile factories and homes, although limited efficiency and adaptability remained barriers to widespread adoption.

In September, Unitree introduced its UnifoLM-X2-1.0 AI model, designed to enable humanoid robots to practice combat movements autonomously, including punching, blocking and dodging. The company is also developing AI technology intended to help humanoid robots improve their capabilities through continued learning.

Source: VNExpress