Unitree's H2 Robot Can Now Kick Your Head Off, With a Smile

Unitree Robotics just dropped another casual video of its H2 humanoid, which has apparently spent its downtime mastering martial arts. In its latest demonstration of terrifying agility, the robot performs a series of flying spin kicks with a level of precision that should make us all profoundly uncomfortable. The video, posted on X, shows the 70 kg (154 lbs) robot effortlessly kicking two 30 kg punching bags aside and obliterating a watermelon with a heel kick well above head height.

The most telling moment, however, is when a human handler flinches violently as the H2’s foot whips past his face, narrowly avoiding a catastrophic dental and nasal reconstruction. In a masterclass of understatement, Unitree captioned the video with, “How about training together with a robot? Please use robots in a friendly and safe manner, and keep a safe distance.” This is excellent advice, particularly when your workout partner stands 5'11" and boasts leg joints capable of delivering up to 360 N·m of torque.

Why is this important?

While other companies are focused on teaching their robots to fold laundry, Unitree seems determined to prove its humanoids have the most advanced dynamic motion on the market. This demo is less about a practical application and more a raw statement of power, control, and balance. The speed and fluidity of the H2 are undeniably impressive, solidifying Unitree’s reputation for pushing the boundaries of robotic locomotion.

However, the near-miss with the tester highlights the very real and escalating safety concerns surrounding increasingly powerful and autonomous machines. As robots move from controlled industrial settings to unpredictable human environments, the gap between “impressive demo” and “lethal accident” narrows considerably. Unitree’s friendly advice to “keep a safe distance” is evolving from a polite suggestion to a critical survival instruction.