It's not every day that Elon Musk publicly compliments a competitor, but when Chinese robots are doing backflips on stage at a concert, apparently that deserves recognition. The Tesla Inc. (TSLA) CEO took to X to call Unitree Robotics' performance "impressive" after videos surfaced of their humanoid machines executing Webster flips and synchronized dance routines alongside Chinese-American singer Wang Leehom in Chengdu.
When Robots Steal the Show
The concert performance showcased just how far robotics technology has advanced. Unitree's machines didn't just shuffle awkwardly across the stage—they performed complex acrobatics and coordinated dance moves with the kind of precision you'd expect from professional stunt performers. Tech commentator Rohan Paul shared footage of the spectacle on X, noting that "Robots in China are doing it all now, even dancing on stage like pros."
The audience reaction reportedly ranged from amazed to slightly unsettled, which seems about right when you're watching machines move with that level of agility. This wasn't just a tech demo at some industry conference—it was a public performance that marked a genuine milestone in showing what AI-powered robotics can actually do in real-world settings.
Following the Money: Unitree's Meteoric Rise
Here's where things get interesting from an investment perspective. Unitree Robotics is reportedly eyeing a $7 billion valuation for its upcoming IPO. To put that in context, the company was valued at just 12 billion yuan—roughly $1.7 billion—back in July 2024. That's a four-fold increase in less than a year.
The company has some serious backing, too. In June, Unitree secured investments from Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (BABA), Tencent Holdings Ltd. (TCEHY), and Geely Holding Group. Founder Wang Xingxing even attended a rare February meeting with President Xi Jinping alongside executives from DeepSeek, signaling the strategic importance Chinese leadership places on robotics development.
By November, Unitree had wrapped up its pre-IPO tutoring process in just four months—a notably quick timeline that suggests strong market appetite for robotics exposure.
The Price War Nobody Expected
Perhaps the most striking detail is Unitree's pricing strategy. In 2024, the company sold 23,700 robot units at $2,700 each. Compare that to Boston Dynamics' Spot robot, which costs $74,500. That's not just competitive pricing—it's potentially market-disrupting.
Meanwhile, Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot remains in the design phase, though Musk has said mass production should begin soon. His target price point sits between $20,000 and $30,000 per unit once production scales up—significantly higher than Unitree's current offering but potentially justified if Tesla can deliver superior capabilities.
The robotics race is heating up, and if Unitree's concert performance is any indication, Chinese companies aren't just competing—they're putting on a show while doing it.