Unitree G1 Robot Redefines Durability in Extreme Cold Test

Daily Technology

10/02/2026

Chinese robotics firm Unitree Robotics has announced a significant achievement in humanoid robotics. Its G1 model successfully completed a sustained autonomous walking challenge in extreme subzero temperatures, a feat previously undocumented for a humanoid robot. The test pushes the known operational boundaries for bipedal machines in harsh environmental conditions.

The demonstration occurred in the Altay region of Xinjiang, China, an area known for its severe winters. The G1 robot endured temperatures as low as -47.4°C (-53°F) while navigating open, snowy terrain. Over the course of the test, the robot logged more than 130,000 continuous steps. To mitigate the effects of the extreme cold on its components, the G1 was outfitted with an insulated orange jacket and protective coverings for its legs and feet, safeguarding sensitive joints, actuators, and its battery system.

The Unitree G1 stands approximately 127 centimeters tall and weighs around 35 kilograms. It is equipped with a 9,000 mAh removable battery, which powered its extended operation in the cold. For navigation and environmental awareness, the robot utilizes a sensor suite that includes LiDAR and depth cameras, all processed through Unitree’s proprietary UnifoLM software platform. While not the company's newest model, the G1 is considered a proven and reliable platform.

This performance sets a new benchmark for environmental durability in the robotics industry. For comparison, other advanced robotics companies, such as Deep Robotics, have publicly rated their machines for operation in temperatures down to -20°C. Unitree’s demonstration at more than double that severity showcases a substantial leap in hardware resilience and thermal management for humanoid robots.

During the test, the robot traced a large emblem in the snow, raising some questions about the full extent of its autonomy versus pre-programmed pathfinding. However, the core achievement lies in the hardware's ability to remain functional. Maintaining balance and continuous bipedal motion for an extended period across uneven, snow-covered ground in such extreme cold is a notable stress test. This accomplishment signals a critical step toward deploying humanoid robots in challenging real-world applications, from polar research to industrial work in cold climates.

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