Unitree Robotics plans $7B IPO, sells robots

Chinese robotics pioneer Unitree Robotics is preparing for an initial public offering on Shanghai's STAR Market, targeting a valuation of up to $7 billion. The company has simultaneously launched sales of its R1 humanoid robot model on the AliExpress e-commerce platform for approximately $8,150. Unitree, which saw a 335% revenue increase last year, is already delivering advanced hardware capable of performing backflips and running, while competitors like Tesla are still in the prototype phase. The IPO proceeds are intended to fund a new smart factory to scale production and make humanoid robots as common as consumer electronics.