We asked a humanoid robot if there is an AI bubble. Here's what it said.

• KOID predicts humanoids will become integrated into daily life as home assistants and manufacturing workers, though the industry remains in a 'prototyping' stage
• Chinese companies like Unitree are racing to beat U.S. competitors including Tesla's Optimus robots, with Unitree winning recent robotics competitions
• The humanoid robotics market is heating up with players like Boston Dynamics and Agility Robotics, as companies bet on robots becoming key revenue drivers

Humanoid Robot Weighs in on AI Bubble Debate

A Unitree G1 humanoid robot named KOID offered a neutral perspective on whether the AI boom represents a bubble, telling CNBC that "only time will tell" while maintaining that AI and humanoids are "here to stay." The Nvidia-powered robot, manufactured by Chinese tech company Unitree, predicted increased integration of humanoids into daily life across home assistance and manufacturing sectors.

Key Company Details:

• Unitree, one of China's leading robotics companies, is preparing for an IPO with a potential valuation up to $7 billion
• The company's G1 models, weighing 77 pounds with 23 degrees of freedom, are distributed in the U.S. by RoboStore
• Pricing ranges from $8,990 to $128,900 per unit
• Unitree recently debuted its latest H2 model and has outperformed competitors at major robotics conferences

Market Context:

The humanoid robotics sector is experiencing significant growth, with major players including Boston Dynamics, Agility Robotics, and Tesla's Optimus project. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has positioned Optimus robots as a future key contributor to the company's valuation, though they haven't yet reached market. Chinese manufacturers, led by Unitree, are accelerating production to establish market dominance before U.S. competitors.

RoboStore CEO Teddy Haggerty acknowledged the industry remains in a "prototyping" stage, with companies still determining optimal applications for humanoid robots. The sector's rapid development reflects broader AI market dynamics, where substantial investment and technological advancement coexist with uncertainty about long-term sustainability and practical implementation.