Unitree G1 Humanoid Robot Demonstrates Unprecedented Autonomy in Extreme -47.4°C Conditions

In a landmark achievement for the field of autonomous robotics, the Chinese firm Unitree Robotics recently subjected its G1 humanoid model to a grueling endurance test under extreme weather conditions. During the early days of February 2026, the Altai region of Xinjiang in northwestern China served as the backdrop for this technological demonstration. The G1 robot successfully navigated a series of autonomous tasks while temperatures plummeted to a staggering -47.4°C. According to the project organizers, this event represents the first verified instance of a humanoid robot maintaining prolonged autonomous operation in such a hostile, sub-zero environment.

Standing at a height of 127 centimeters and weighing approximately 35 kilograms, the G1 unit demonstrated remarkable physical resilience by covering a distance equivalent to more than 130,000 steps. Beyond merely surviving the cold, the robot was tasked with a complex mission: autonomously tracing the outline of the Winter Olympic Games emblem onto the snow. This intricate pattern spanned an expansive area measuring roughly 186 by 100 meters. To ensure the mechanical components remained functional in the deep freeze, the robot was outfitted with a specialized "winter kit," which included a high-visibility orange insulating jacket and protective plastic shielding for its joints, mechanical assemblies, and battery compartments.

The precision of the robot’s navigation across the challenging, snow-covered terrain was made possible through the integration of China’s national satellite navigation system, BeiDou. By leveraging the BeiDou-3 global network, which consists of 35 satellites, the G1 utilized advanced path-planning algorithms to maintain a stable and accurate trajectory. This technical feat builds upon the foundation of the Unitree G1 platform, which was first introduced to the public in May 2024. The robot’s sophisticated architecture features up to 43 motorized joints and is powered by a 9,000 mAh battery, a power source that typically provides up to two hours of continuous activity under standard operating conditions.

Since its inception in 2016, Unitree Robotics has transitioned from its well-known quadruped designs to positioning the G1 as a versatile platform for research and industrial automation. The company's commercial momentum is evident in its 2025 performance, during which it delivered more than 5,500 G1 units to the global market. This high volume of shipments underscores a strategic industry shift toward developing robust, adaptable robots capable of performing in unpredictable real-world scenarios. The successful completion of the Altai mission confirms that the robotics industry is moving rapidly toward enhancing the durability of general-purpose humanoid machines in uncontrolled and harsh environments.