You Can Buy This Cartwheeling Humanoid Robot for Less Than Two Apple Vision Pros
The R1 is built with both image and voice recognition AI, according to Unitree. Beyond that, the model is built with a 'movement-first design' for 'dynamic, lifelike mobility.' You can witness the robot's dexterity in a video posted by the company on Friday. The machine can do handstands and cartwheels, punch at the air, and sprint over level ground. It's enough to make me envious of the machine's athleticism, although it doesn't seem to come with any fine finger dexterity, so at least the robots won't be taking my number one spot as king of the high-fives.
We've seen other Unitree humanoid and dog-shaped robots in the field, though only in carefully contained demos controlled by an engineer sitting somewhere off to the side. The R1 costs nearly half of the company's previous consumer-end human-shaped bot, the G1. The new design is also far lighter than the previous model, clocking in at 25 kilograms, or 55 pounds, compared to the G1's 77 pounds.
If you're looking for specifics, Unitree told us the robot has 26 total joints, with six in each leg, two in the waist, five in each arm, and two in the head. Despite that, the R1 isn't built to become your robo butler. The device is still mostly there for prototyping and testing. That certainly won't stop people from forming their own robot boxing leagues to try and reenact the 2011 movie Real Steel starring Hugh Jackman. Untiree already hosted a fisticuffs tournament with its G1 models earlier this year. Perhaps we won't have to wait long for a bot with a screw loose after taking a shiner to the silicon.
There's no R1 listing on the company's store page just yet, so maybe you should cool your jets before dropping close to $6,000 on a new robot. More than pushing a future where the robots fight off the inevitable return of Rita Repulsa, it establishes how far ahead Unitree is compared to the U.S.-based competition.
Elon Musk's Tesla is still working to pump out a consumer-end humanoid robot called Optimus. Tesla has tried to promote its bot as a real-life Rosey from the Jetsons. They've had the bot pouring drinks and cleaning dishware, though at a very slow pace and with a human controller standing off-screen. Tesla claimed it plans to produce 5,000 Optimus bots by the end of 2025, but that's looking less likely every day. A new report from The Information states that more than halfway into the year, Tesla has only created a few hundred bots after reportedly halting production in mid-June. Musk recently claimed Tesla will have Optimus gen 3 prototypes available by the end of the year, and then it will scale production. Even if it follows through—which seems less likely considering ongoing staffing and resource issues cited by Fast Company—the robot will likely be nowhere near as cheap as Unitree's bot and its cartwheeling, karate-chop action.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
24 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Is Super Micro Computer Stock Headed for $15 or $70 After Giant Post-Earnings Plunge?
After putting accounting controversies and Nasdaq delisting fears stemming from the delayed filings in the rearview mirror, Super Micro Computer (SMCI) had been on a strong recovery run this year. SMCI stock once again regained traction as investors bet big on its leadership in the artificial intelligence (AI) hardware space, growing demand for next-gen servers, and close partnership with chip giant Nvidia (NVDA) — all of which painted a promising growth story. But the narrative took a sharp turn in the wrong direction after the company dropped its fourth-quarter earnings report on Aug. 5. Shares of SMCI sank more than 18% in the following trading session, as Super Micro missed Wall Street's expectations on both revenue and earnings. Even guidance fell short, sparking fresh concerns about slowing growth and rising competition. More News from Barchart Robinhood Stock Seemingly Can't Be Stopped in 2025. Is It Too Late to Buy HOOD Here? Dear Ford Stock Fans, Mark Your Calendar for August 11 Cathie Wood Is Buying Shares of This Little-Known Ethereum Treasury Company. Should You? Get exclusive insights with the FREE Barchart Brief newsletter. Subscribe now for quick, incisive midday market analysis you won't find anywhere else. Investor sentiment around SMCI stock has clearly taken a hit, and analysts' opinions are now deeply divided. On one end, the most bullish target on Wall Street suggests that SMCI stock could soar to $70, while on the other side, the most bearish sees it dropping all the way to $15 per share. So, with expectations stretched so far apart, can SMCI defy the doubts and reclaim its momentum? Or is there more downside still to come? About Super Micro Stock Super Micro Computer specializes in building high-powered, energy-efficient servers to support surging demand from AI, cloud services, and data centers. With operations across the U.S., Taiwan, and the Netherlands, the company has built a solid international footprint and currently holds a market capitalization of $27.8 billion. After sliding last year under the weight of negative headlines, SMCI stock came roaring back in 2025, hitting a fresh high of $66.44 in February. Even after pulling back some 32% from that peak, the stock remains up an impressive 50% so far this year, well ahead of the broader S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) modest 8.5% gain year-to-date (YTD). However, the comeback rally appears to be facing turbulence lately. SMCI is once again under pressure following its latest earnings miss, with shares tumbling 19% in just the past five trading days. A Look Inside Super Micro's Q4 Earnings Super Micro's fiscal 2025 fourth-quarter earnings report released earlier this month came as a letdown to investors, missing Wall Street's expectations on both the top and bottom lines. Revenue for the quarter rose 7.4% year-over-year (YOY) to $5.8 billion but still fell short of the $5.9 billion analysts had expected. Adjusted EPS came in at $0.41, marking a notable 24% decline from the prior year and falling below the consensus estimate of $0.44, partly because of the impact from President Donald Trump's tariffs on goods imported into the United States. While the company pointed to tariffs as a key reason for the earnings shortfall, the miss stung even more given the backdrop of soaring demand for AI infrastructure, which had set investors' expectations sky high. Instead of a blowout quarter, the results revealed mounting cost pressures and thinner margins, casting doubt on Super Micro's ability to deliver strong profits even as sales continue to rise. A key red flag was the drop in gross margin, which slipped to 9.5% from 10.2% a year ago. The decline suggests the company may be facing pricing pressure or higher costs, likely tied to competitive dynamics or more expensive AI components. As of June 30, Super Micro reported $5.2 billion in cash and equivalents, alongside $4.8 billion in total bank debt and convertible notes. Unfortunately, the disappointment didn't end at Super Micro's Q4 financials. The company's guidance for Q1 of fiscal 2026 also fell short of expectations. Management expects revenue to land between $6 billion and $7 billion, while adjusted EPS is expected to be between $0.40 and $0.52. Both of these figures miss Wall Street's forecasts for $6.6 billion in revenue and $0.59 in EPS. Over the longer term, analysts tracking Super Micro project the company's bottom line to rise 19.2% YOY to $2.05 per share in fiscal 2026, then leap 21% annually to $2.49 in fiscal 2027. What Do Analysts Think About Super Micro Stock? After the disappointing Q4 showing, several Wall Street analysts struck a more cautious tone. For instance, JPMorgan analyst Samik Chatterjee lowered the firm's price target to $45 from $46, maintaining a 'Neutral' rating. Chatterjee pointed to capital constraints and customer hesitation as key reasons the company fell short of expectations. On the other hand, Bank of America Securities analyst Ruplu Bhattacharya slightly raised the price target to $37 from $35 while sticking with an 'Underperform' rating. The analyst noted that gross margins were pressured once again, this time due to inventory reserves for older products. Bhattacharya explained that many customers are opting to wait for Nvidia's upcoming B300/GB300 GPUs, which has weighed on current demand. Overall, Wall Street sentiment on Super Micro is tilting cautious, with SMCI stock earning a consensus rating of 'Hold.' Among the 16 analysts covering the stock, opinions are clearly mixed. Only four recommend a 'Strong Buy,' while three lean toward a 'Moderate Buy.' The majority of analysts take a wait-and-see approach, with six suggesting 'Hold.' On the bearish side, one analyst has a 'Moderate Sell' rating for SMCI and two assign a 'Strong Sell' rating, reflecting growing uncertainty around the company's near-term outlook. SMCI stock has a Street-high price target of $70, indicating nearly 54% potential upside. The lowest target of $15 suggests a steep 67% drop from current levels. Key Takeaways Super Micro's wide price target range, spanning from $15 to a Street-high of $70, underscores the uncertainty surrounding its near-term trajectory. While some analysts remain bullish on its long-term AI-driven potential, others are wary of execution risks and margin pressures. With sentiment this divided, the stock's path forward may remain volatile as investors wait for more apparent signs of sustained growth. On the date of publication, Anushka Mukherji did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on
Black America Web
25 minutes ago
- Black America Web
Giveon Reflects on His Journey and "Beloved" at Urban 1 Summit
Source: Norris Ford / R1 The Urban 1 Summit brought another iconic moment in music as Giveon, the baritone voice redefining R&B, shared insights into his artistic evolution and new project, Beloved . Speaking candidly, his reflections combined vulnerability, wit, and an unfiltered passion for music, captivating the audience. Giveon has solidified his place in contemporary music, blending timeless soul with raw emotion. Rising to fame with hits like 'Heartbreak Anniversary,' he's drawn comparisons to legends while staying uniquely authentic. During the Summit, he revealed how growing up in Long Beach, California—surrounded by Motown influences and nonprofit programs—laid the foundation for his career. He credited a local arts nonprofit for igniting his songwriting process, demonstrating how community support shapes raw talent into greatness. STAY INFORMED! CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! Transitioning to Beloved , Giveon described it as his most honest project yet. The album, recorded with live instrumentation, offers a distinct analog feel reminiscent of 70s soul. Tracks like 'Diamonds for Your Pain' and 'Keeper' reflect deeply personal moments, with romantic turbulence and self-reflection carved into lyrics. Giveon explained how the live recording process added soul that digital tools can't replicate, making Beloved a standout work in modern R&B. Beyond the music, Giveon's personality shone through. He masterfully balanced humor with introspection, confessing to working through flaws like defensiveness in relationships. He also expressed nostalgia for a simpler time in music when the art, not personal lives, was the focus—although he acknowledged the importance of connecting with fans. READ MORE STORIES: Giveon Reflects on His Journey and 'Beloved' at Urban 1 Summit Tonio Armani Brings Southern Soul Vibes at Urban 1 Summit Sentury Talks Inspiration and New Music at Urban 1 Summit Giveon's growth as an artist is showcased in every track of his new project—his second studio album, Beloved , out now. With its raw storytelling, soulful live instrumentation, and honest reflections, Beloved marks a powerful new chapter in his career. It's more than just an album; it's a testament to Giveon's talent, authenticity, and lasting impact on the R&B landscape. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK . FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM & TWITTER . SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE . STAY INFORMED! CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! HEAD TO THE HOMEPAGE SEE ALSO
TechCrunch
25 minutes ago
- TechCrunch
Pinterest CEO says agentic shopping is still a long way out
Pinterest CEO Bill Ready told investors on the company's second-quarter earnings call that the social app and inspirational bookmarking site could be considered an 'AI-enabled shopping assistant.' However, he thinks that the agentic web, where AI agents shop on users' behalf, is still far in the future. The remarks were made in response to a question about the agentic web, which could impact the search funnel and businesses like Pinterest, which positions itself at the early stages of the shopping journey — around the time when users are seeking ideas that could later turn into purchases. Investors are likely concerned that if AI began to understand users' interests, they could preemptively direct users to shop from their own personalized recommendations instead of using platforms like Pinterest. 'I think this notion of an agent just going and buying all the things for you without you doing anything—,' Ready said on the Q2 earnings call. 'I think that's going to be a very, very long cycle for that to play out, both in terms of how the users think about it, where the users are going to be ready to just let something go run off and do everything for them, save for maybe some very utilitarian journeys,' he noted. Still, he pushed for Pinterest to be thought of as an AI-enabled shopping assistant, saying that the company doesn't talk about it that way, usually, because it's not how users think of it. 'But when users say things like 'Pinterest just gets me,' it's because they can open the app and the app is going to make recommendations to them proactively on things that they're really interested in, that align with their taste and their style, the way that a really great personal shopping assistant would,' he said. The company referred to this moment in time, when businesses are exploring all the ways to create new, AI-driven experiences, as a 'Cambrian moment,' and touched on the various ways it had put AI to work already. This included AI-powered recommendation and personalization systems, the use of proprietary AI models (including multimodal AI that combines text and images), visual search experiences, conversational search, and AI-powered advertising efficiencies. Techcrunch event Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital, Elad Gil — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They're here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don't miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $600+ before prices rise. Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They're here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don't miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise. San Francisco | REGISTER NOW Not addressed were the growing user concerns that too much of Pinterest is now filled with AI-generated, low-quality content. The situation became so bad that Pinterest earlier this year had to launch a new set of tools to fight this invasion, like labels for AI-generated images and controls for users to filter out Gen AI Pins. The discussion also omitted mention of mass user bans, which users believe stem from an overreliance on poorly designed AI moderation systems. (Pinterest wouldn't say if that's the case, only chalking them up to an internal error. However, similar problems are cropping up across social media, including on Facebook, Instagram, and Tumblr.) On the call, Ready also spoke about how Pinterest aims to compete in the war for AI talent, saying that people who want to work there care about AI that's used for good and used 'responsibly.' 'On the mission side, I think we really, really punch above our weight,' the exec explained. 'Both in terms of what we're doing with tuning AI for positivity, creating a more positive alternative to what's happening in the rest of social media,' he said. Pinterest stock dropped after earnings, as the company reported a beat on sales, with revenue of $998 million, but earnings per share at 33 cents (adjusted), fell short of the 35 cents analysts expected. The company also noted that over half its monthly users were Gen Z, and male users were up 95% year-over-year.
