Chinese robotics company Unitree Robotics has unveiled its H2-X humanoid robot, showcasing its potential for security and rescue operations as advances in embodied intelligence bring AI closer to real-world applications.

Standing 170 centimetres tall, the robot demonstrates impressive physical capabilities in a video released on Wednesday, including lifting a car, performing flying kicks and surviving a four-metre drop. It also demonstrates its potential to confront armed attackers, highlighting possible applications in hazardous environments.

Beyond physical strength, Unitree is working to improve the robot’s ability to assess situations and make decisions independently, a key requirement for practical deployment.

At the 2026 World Physical AI Conference on Thursday, founder and CEO Wang Xingxing said embodied intelligence could reach a breakthrough comparable to ChatGPT as early as next year, accelerating the adoption of robots in daily life and industry. He said this would require expanded manufacturing capacity, computing power and chip supplies to meet potential demand for millions of units.