Unitree shares surge on physical AI advancements
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Written by
Simonas Brazionis - Updated 2026-10-28 13:47:02
Unitree shares have surged over 60% since October 15, pushing the Chinese robot manufacturer's market capitalization to 271.8 billion yuan (approximately $40.8 billion). This significant increase is largely attributed to growing investor confidence in the potential of advanced artificial intelligence to enhance robot capabilities, particularly in physical AI.
JPMorgan upgraded Unitree from underweight to overweight on October 26, simultaneously increasing its price target to 995 yuan ($149.17). This revised outlook followed a review of the company's humanoid robot lineup and discussions with executives.
Advancements in Physical AI and Market Impact
Unitree founder Wang Xingxing stated at the World Physical AI Conference on October 22 that large models, which are AI systems trained on vast datasets, could achieve breakthroughs in physical AI within one to three years. He also highlighted that OpenAI's GPT-6 Astra is already capable of directing robots without specific training, indicating rapid progress in the field.
JPMorgan's upgraded outlook came after the bank had previously expressed concerns about Unitree's heavy reliance on hardware and perceived weaknesses in its software. The recent developments in AI and Unitree's product offerings appear to have alleviated these concerns, leading to a more positive assessment.
Unitree's Market Position and Product Lineup
Unitree went public on the Shanghai Stock Exchange's STAR Market on August 19. Its G1 humanoid robot is priced at approximately $16,000, making it a more affordable option compared to rival humanoids in the market.
While some researchers have identified security vulnerabilities, including the transmission of audio, video, and spatial data to external servers without user notification, the market has responded positively to the company's underlying premise. Unitree already has robots available for purchase, contrasting with companies like Tesla, which has only recently begun production of its Optimus robots with external deliveries anticipated around late 2027. Figure AI also collaborated with OpenAI in 2024 to power its humanoids with OpenAI's models.
