This humanoid robot plays basketball like a pro with unprecedented agility and lifelike movements

The G1 robot was trained by a team affiliated with the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). After appearing in multiple videos showcasing an uncommon level of human-like balance and acrobatics, including kung fu, the humanoid is now taking on the challenge of shooting hoops.

In the clip, the robot bounces the ball on a spot and accurately aims for the basket from different angles. It also charges toward the basket before leaping into the air just like NBA pros do. It also executes multiple human-like moves while trying to get past a human player, who, proving to be a spoilsport, successfully blocks a shot and boasts about it on X.

How researchers taught the G1 to play basketball like a human

The HKUST team employed a training framework known as SkillMimic. The method involves capturing different human motions through video and motion-tracking suits. A virtual copy of the robot goes through the steps in a simulated training environment before transferring to real-life conditions. The multi-stage process is why the G1 can repeat complex sequences consistently.

The Unitree G1 was officially revealed last and became available in February 20205 for about $13,000. The humanoid rivals include Tesla's Optimus and XPeng’s Iron, and the latter had to be lacerated in a viral video to convince the crowd it wasn't human.