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| EngineAI PM01 | |
|---|---|
| General information | |
| Manufacturer | EngineAI |
| Country of origin | China |
| Year unveiled | 2024 |
| Status | In production |
| Starting price | $13,700 USD (88,000 RMB) |
| Height | 138 cm (4 ft 6 in) |
| Weight | ~40 kg (88 lb) with battery |
| Degrees of freedom | 23 (Commercial) / 24 (EDU) |
| Max walking speed | 2 m/s (7.2 km/h) |
| Peak joint torque | 300 N-m |
| Battery runtime | ~2 hours |
| Computing | Intel N97 + NVIDIA Jetson Orin |
| Website | engineai.com.cn |
The EngineAI PM01 is a compact, lightweight humanoid robot developed by EngineAI (formally Shenzhen EngineAI Robotics Technology Co., Ltd.), a Chinese robotics startup headquartered in Shenzhen. Launched on December 24, 2024, the PM01 is a scaled-down, more affordable counterpart to EngineAI's flagship SE01 full-size humanoid. Standing 138 cm tall and weighing approximately 40 kg, it targets researchers, developers, and commercial operators who need a capable bipedal platform at a lower price point than most competitors.[1][2]
The PM01 attracted global attention through a rapid series of viral demonstrations in early 2025, including the world's first front flip by a humanoid robot (February 2025), a Kung Fu Hustle dance recreation alongside professional choreographers (March 2025), and outdoor running at Shenzhen Talent Park in preparation for the Beijing humanoid robot half marathon (April 2025).[3][4][5] The robot was also deployed alongside Shenzhen police officers for routine patrol duties, making it one of the first humanoid robots to serve in a law enforcement support role.[6]
Priced at 88,000 RMB (approximately $12,000 to $13,700 USD depending on exchange rates), the PM01 undercuts Unitree's competing G1 by several thousand dollars, positioning it among the most affordable production bipedal humanoids available. EngineAI offers both a Commercial edition for deployment-focused use cases and an Educational (EDU) edition with enhanced computing, additional sensors, and full secondary development support.[1][7]
EngineAI was founded in October 2023 by Zhao Tongyang, a serial robotics entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in the field. Zhao began his career in Internet-of-Things devices in 2012 before pivoting to bipedal robotics in 2016, founding a company called Dogotix that pioneered early humanoid research in China. After Dogotix shifted to quadruped robots and was acquired by XPENG Motors for nearly $100 million in 2020, Zhao co-founded Shenzhen Pengxing Intelligent Research Co., Ltd. as a joint venture with XPENG. There, he led the development of the XPENG PX5 bipedal humanoid, which was showcased at NVIDIA's GTC 2024 conference.[8][9]
After departing XPENG Robotics, Zhao took his intellectual property and core engineering team to establish EngineAI in Shenzhen's Nanshan District. The company secured nearly 100 million yuan (~$14 million) in angel funding and moved with remarkable speed, releasing four robot platforms in its first 14 months of operation. By early 2026, EngineAI had raised over 1 billion yuan across multiple funding rounds from investors including JD.com, CATL Capital, and Luxshare Precision. A $200 million Series B round in early 2026 pushed the company's valuation past 10 billion yuan (approximately $1.4 billion), making it a unicorn less than three years after founding.[8][10][11]
The PM01 was developed as a compact alternative to EngineAI's flagship SE01, which debuted in October 2024 and drew viral attention for its remarkably human-like walking gait. While the SE01 stands 170 cm tall and targets full-size industrial applications, EngineAI designed the PM01 at a smaller 138 cm form factor to reduce cost, improve portability, and lower the barrier to entry for researchers and developers. The PM01's compact dimensions also provide a lower center of mass, which proved advantageous for dynamic maneuvers such as flips and rapid directional changes.[1][12]
EngineAI adopted the same end-to-end neural network locomotion control system used in the SE01, combining reinforcement learning and imitation learning to produce a natural, human-like gait. The company used optical motion capture technology to collect large volumes of human motion data, then trained the PM01's control policies in simulation using NVIDIA's Isaac Sim before transferring them to the physical hardware.[2][13]
EngineAI officially launched the PM01 on December 24, 2024, beginning global sales with both a Commercial and Educational edition priced at a unified 88,000 yuan (approximately $12,000 to $13,700 USD). As a launch promotion running through March 31, 2025, customers who purchased the Commercial edition received an automatic upgrade to the Educational edition at no additional cost.[1][2]
At the time of launch, EngineAI reported a team of 48 members and stated it had delivered nearly 100 units of its various robot platforms within five months of beginning sales.[2]
The PM01 made its international debut at CES 2025 in Las Vegas (January 7 to 10, 2025), alongside EngineAI's SE01 flagship and SA01 research platform. EngineAI described the three robots as forming a "revolutionary robotics lineup." The PM01 demonstration at CES featured both its mechanical gait mode and its more natural humanoid walking mode, as well as its modular hardware expansion capabilities. The CES appearance introduced EngineAI to the global technology community and generated significant media coverage, particularly given the company's youth (barely 15 months old at the time).[14][15]
EngineAI returned to CES 2026 the following January, this time showcasing the PM01 alongside the newly unveiled T800 full-size humanoid. At CES 2026, the PM01 was positioned as a deployment-ready platform for public transportation, guided tours, retail services, and automated patrol tasks, reflecting its transition from a development platform to a commercially viable product.[16]
The PM01 stands 1,388 mm (138 cm / 4 ft 6 in) tall, 490 mm wide, and 220 mm deep. It weighs approximately 40 to 42 kg with its battery installed, depending on the configuration. The frame is constructed from aerospace-grade aluminum alloy, providing structural durability while keeping weight manageable. An interactive touchscreen display is mounted on the robot's chest, inspired by the arc reactor aesthetic from the Iron Man films, and serves as a command input and data display interface.[1][2][17]
Compared to EngineAI's SE01, the PM01 is 32 cm shorter and approximately 15 kg lighter. Compared to the Unitree G1, its primary competitor, the PM01 is 6 cm taller (138 cm versus 132 cm) but heavier (40 kg versus 35 kg).[1][7]
The PM01 features 23 degrees of freedom in its Commercial edition and 24 DOF in its Educational edition. The DOF are distributed across the body as follows:
| Body region | DOF per side | Total DOF | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legs | 6 per leg | 12 | Full hip, knee, and ankle articulation |
| Arms | 5 per arm | 10 | Shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints |
| Waist | N/A | 1 | 320-degree rotation |
| Commercial total | 23 | ||
| Additional (EDU) | N/A | 1 | Additional DOF in EDU edition |
| EDU total | 24 |
The 320-degree waist rotation is a standout feature, providing near-full rotational range that enables the PM01 to twist, turn, and perform complex movements that exceed the waist range of most competing humanoid platforms.[1][2]
The PM01 uses EngineAI's proprietary custom electric joint modules, developed entirely in-house rather than sourced from third-party actuator suppliers. Key actuator specifications include:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Peak joint torque | 300 N-m |
| Peak torque density | 203 N-m/kg |
| Knee max torque | 186 N-m |
| Force-control precision | 0.2 N-m (power joints) |
| Encoder type | Dual encoders per joint |
| Wiring | In-joint wiring |
| Bearing type | Cross-roller bearings |
The joint modules feature in-joint wiring, dual encoders for precise position and velocity feedback, and cross-roller bearings for smooth articulation. The 300 N-m peak torque and 203 N-m/kg torque density figures are significant for a robot in this size class, enabling the dynamic movements (flips, kicks, running) that have characterized EngineAI's demonstrations.[1][17][18]
The PM01 employs a dual-chip computing architecture:
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary CPU | Intel N97 (X86 architecture) |
| AI co-processor | NVIDIA Jetson Orin |
| EDU variant | NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX (16 GB) |
| Supported OS | Windows, Ubuntu |
| Development support | Cross-platform algorithm deployment |
The Intel N97 handles real-time motion control and basic system functions, while the NVIDIA Jetson Orin module provides high-performance AI inference for perception, decision-making, and machine learning tasks. The EDU edition includes the more capable Jetson Orin NX with 16 GB of memory, offering additional compute headroom for researchers running custom AI models.[1][2][19]
The PM01 integrates a multi-modal sensor system for environmental awareness and navigation:
| Sensor type | Component | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Depth camera | Intel RealSense D435i | Head-mounted (Commercial); head + waist (EDU) |
| LiDAR | Optional 360-degree | Available for environmental mapping |
| Microphone array | Multi-array system | Voice command recognition |
| Ultrasonic radar | Multiple units | Close-range obstacle detection |
| Force sensors | Joint-integrated | Torque feedback and contact detection |
| IMU / Gyroscope | Inertial measurement unit | Balance and orientation tracking |
| Vision modules | Stereo cameras | 3D perception and visual odometry |
The EDU edition includes two depth cameras (head and waist) compared to the Commercial edition's single head-mounted camera, providing more comprehensive 3D perception for research applications. The LiDAR module is optional, and additional sensors can be attached through the robot's USB and RJ45 expansion interfaces.[1][19][20]
The PM01 is powered by a 10,000 mAh quick-release lithium battery that provides approximately two hours of mixed-use operation. The battery is designed for rapid field swapping, allowing users to extend operating time by carrying spare packs. The robot's soles incorporate cushioning devices that improve energy efficiency during walking and running while also protecting the joints from impact forces.[5][17]
| Category | Specification | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Physical | Height | 138 cm (4 ft 6 in) |
| Physical | Width | 490 mm |
| Physical | Depth | 220 mm |
| Physical | Weight (with battery) | ~40-42 kg (88-93 lb) |
| Physical | Frame material | Aerospace-grade aluminum alloy |
| Mobility | DOF (Commercial) | 23 |
| Mobility | DOF (EDU) | 24 |
| Mobility | DOF per leg | 6 |
| Mobility | DOF per arm | 5 |
| Mobility | Waist rotation | 320 degrees |
| Mobility | Max walking speed | 2 m/s (7.2 km/h, 4.5 mph) |
| Actuation | Peak joint torque | 300 N-m |
| Actuation | Peak torque density | 203 N-m/kg |
| Actuation | Knee max torque | 186 N-m |
| Actuation | Force-control precision | 0.2 N-m |
| Computing | CPU | Intel N97 |
| Computing | AI co-processor | NVIDIA Jetson Orin (NX 16 GB on EDU) |
| Computing | Supported OS | Windows, Ubuntu |
| Sensors | Depth camera | Intel RealSense D435i |
| Sensors | LiDAR | Optional 360-degree |
| Sensors | Additional | Microphone array, ultrasonic, force, IMU, stereo vision |
| Power | Battery capacity | 10,000 mAh |
| Power | Runtime | ~2 hours |
| Power | Battery type | Quick-release lithium |
| Connectivity | Wireless | WiFi (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz) |
| Connectivity | Wired | Ethernet, USB, RJ45 |
| Display | Chest screen | Interactive touchscreen |
The PM01 is available in two editions targeting different user segments:
| Feature | Commercial Edition | Educational (EDU) Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Degrees of freedom | 23 | 24 |
| Depth cameras | 1 (head) | 2 (head + waist) |
| AI co-processor | NVIDIA Jetson Orin | NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX (16 GB) |
| Touchscreen | Standard | Enhanced |
| Secondary development | Limited | Full support |
| ROS compatibility | Basic | Full |
| Open-source code access | Limited | Full |
| Target user | Commercial deployers | Researchers, developers, educators |
| Launch price | 88,000 RMB (~$12,000-$13,700) | 88,000 RMB (~$12,000-$13,700) |
During the launch promotional period (December 24, 2024, through March 31, 2025), both editions were sold at the same unified price of 88,000 RMB, and Commercial edition buyers received an automatic upgrade to EDU edition features. After the promotional period, the Commercial edition remains at the lower price point while the EDU edition commands a premium for its additional sensors, compute power, and development tools.[1][2]
Some third-party retailers have listed the PM01 at prices ranging from $12,000 to $25,500, reflecting variation across configurations and distribution channels.[20]
The PM01 features an open-source AI framework designed to lower the barrier for third-party development. EngineAI maintains public repositories on GitHub containing:
The open-source code includes ROS and ONNX deployment pipelines, MuJoCo sim-to-sim validation tools, and Isaac-based training configurations. Researchers can train custom locomotion policies in simulation and deploy them directly to the PM01 hardware.[2][13]
The PM01 supports ROS (Robot Operating System) integration, allowing researchers to leverage the broader ROS ecosystem of tools for SLAM, motion planning, navigation, and sensor fusion. The EDU edition provides full ROS compatibility with development documentation, while the Commercial edition offers more limited integration.[1][19]
The PM01's locomotion system operates in two modes:
The transition from simulation-trained policies to real-world hardware uses extensive domain randomization, including varied friction coefficients, mass distributions, motor delays, and sensor noise, to ensure that learned behaviors transfer reliably.[22]
On February 23, 2025, EngineAI released video footage of the PM01 successfully executing a front flip, which the company claimed was the world's first by a humanoid robot. The demonstration drew widespread media coverage and generated millions of views across social media platforms.[3][23]
Front flips are considered significantly more challenging than backflips for both humans and robots. Unlike backflips, which preserve center-of-mass alignment and allow stronger leg pushes with better mid-air adjustments, front flips shift weight forward, making balance control more difficult and landings more unstable. The PM01's compact size provided a key advantage: its lower center of mass reduced tipping risk and required less torque to achieve the rotational velocity needed for the maneuver compared to a full-size humanoid.[3][23]
The front flip followed earlier acrobatic milestones by other robots, including Boston Dynamics' hydraulic Atlas performing a backflip in 2017 and Unitree's H1 becoming the first fully electric humanoid to complete a standing backflip in 2024.[3]
On March 17, 2025, EngineAI released footage of the PM01 performing the signature "Axe Gang" dance from the 2004 Stephen Chow film Kung Fu Hustle. In the video, the PM01 wields two prop axes while dressed in period-appropriate gangster attire, executing choreography alongside two professional human dancers. According to EngineAI, the robot spent hours training with professional choreographers to learn the routine, achieving joint control precision of 0.01 seconds.[4][24]
The video was immediately met with skepticism online, with viewers questioning whether the footage was sped up, enhanced with CGI, or AI-generated. EngineAI responded by releasing unedited raw footage and challenging skeptics to inspect any frame. "Doubters said it was sped up? Here's the unedited one-take raw," the company posted on X (formerly Twitter). "Try pausing ANY frame. Who's got the guts to outdo THIS?"[4][24]
In March 2025, EngineAI released footage of the PM01 running outdoors for the first time at Shenzhen Talent Park in Nanshan District. The robot demonstrated smooth running capability and the ability to come to a quick stop without stumbling. The running was enabled in part by cushioning devices integrated into the robot's soles, which absorb impact forces during the higher-energy gait cycle of running compared to walking.[5][25]
EngineAI stated the PM01 was training for the upcoming Beijing humanoid robot half marathon, held on April 19, 2025, during which 21 bipedal robots raced alongside approximately 12,000 human runners. The event, organized in Beijing's Daxing District, was billed as the world's first humanoid robot half marathon and was broadcast live on Chinese state television. Only six of the 21 robotic runners completed the course, with the Tiangong Ultra robot finishing first among robots in 2 hours and 40 minutes. EngineAI has not publicly disclosed whether the PM01 finished the race or its completion time.[5][26]
Beginning in early 2025, PM01 robots were deployed alongside Shenzhen police officers for routine patrol duties, wearing high-visibility police vests and walking alongside human officers through public areas. The robots interacted with passersby, responded to voice commands, and utilized their LiDAR systems for environmental mapping during patrols.[6][27]
Shenzhen's government described the deployment as an integration of artificial intelligence with law enforcement, though officials characterized it as testing and demonstration rather than a formal operational deployment. The PM01 patrols nonetheless generated significant public fascination and media coverage, making EngineAI's robot one of the first humanoid platforms to serve in a law enforcement support role alongside the police robots deployed in other Chinese cities.[6][27][28]
The PM01 EDU edition is designed as an accessible platform for academic and corporate research into bipedal locomotion, embodied AI, computer vision, and human-robot interaction. Its open-source framework, ROS compatibility, and simulation training tools make it suitable for university labs and research institutions that need a capable bipedal platform without the cost of full-size humanoids.[1][2]
The PM01 Commercial edition targets deployment in public-facing roles including guided tours, retail customer interaction, reception duties, and public transportation assistance. The interactive chest-mounted touchscreen enables information display and basic command input for service scenarios.[16][19]
As demonstrated by the Shenzhen police deployment, the PM01 can operate in security and patrol applications. Its LiDAR-based environmental mapping, multi-sensor perception, and autonomous navigation capabilities make it suitable for routine patrol routes in controlled environments such as campuses, industrial parks, and commercial districts.[6][27]
EngineAI has actively positioned the PM01 as a demonstration and entertainment platform. The Kung Fu Hustle dance recreation, front flip stunt, and police patrol appearances all serve dual purposes: they validate the robot's technical capabilities while generating viral media content that promotes the EngineAI brand.[3][4]
The PM01 competes in the emerging market for compact, affordable bipedal humanoid robots. Its primary competitors include the Unitree G1, Booster T1, and other sub-$20,000 humanoid platforms.
| Feature | EngineAI PM01 | Unitree G1 | Booster T1 | EngineAI SA01 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Height | 138 cm | 132 cm | ~120 cm | ~100 cm |
| Weight | ~40 kg | ~35 kg | ~30 kg | ~40 kg |
| DOF | 23-24 | 23-43 | 23 | N/A |
| Max speed | 2 m/s | 2 m/s | 1.2 m/s | N/A |
| Peak torque | 300 N-m | 120 N-m (EDU) | N/A | N/A |
| AI co-processor | Jetson Orin | Jetson Orin (EDU) | N/A | N/A |
| Starting price | ~$12,000-$13,700 | ~$16,000 | ~$16,000 | $5,400 |
| Front flip | Yes (world first) | Side flip | No | No |
| Open source | Yes | Yes (EDU) | Limited | Yes |
| Country | China | China | China | China |
The PM01's primary competitive advantages over the Unitree G1 are its lower price point (approximately $3,000 less at launch), higher peak joint torque (300 N-m versus 90 to 120 N-m), and 320-degree waist rotation. However, the G1 offers a wider range of configurations (up to 43 DOF with dexterous hands) and benefits from Unitree's more established production infrastructure and larger installed base. Unitree shipped over 5,500 humanoid robots in 2025, compared to EngineAI's roughly 100 units in its first five months.[1][7][29]
The PM01 sits within a broader portfolio of EngineAI robot platforms released in rapid succession:
| Model | Type | Height | Weight | DOF | Approx. price | Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SA01 | Bipedal research platform | ~100 cm | ~40 kg | N/A | $5,400 | July 2024 |
| SE01 | Full-size humanoid | 170 cm | 55 kg | 32 | $20,000-$30,000 | October 2024 |
| PM01 | Compact humanoid | 138 cm | ~40 kg | 23-24 | $12,000-$13,700 | December 2024 |
| SAO2 | Companion robot | 125 cm | 25 kg | 26-28 | ~$5,300 | 2024 |
| T800 | Full-size industrial humanoid | 173 cm | 75 kg | 43 | $25,000+ | December 2025 |
The PM01 occupies the middle of EngineAI's lineup in terms of both size and price, offering more capability than the SA01 research platform and SAO2 companion robot while remaining significantly more affordable than the SE01 and T800 full-size humanoids. The SAO2, an anime-styled lightweight companion robot standing 125 cm tall and weighing 25 kg, targets a different market segment entirely, serving as a home companion with a built-in large language model for conversational interaction.[30][31]
Limited reach and workspace. At 138 cm, the PM01 cannot comfortably interact with environments designed for adult humans, such as standard kitchen counters, workbenches, and shelving. This restricts its utility for practical domestic and industrial tasks that require reaching standard-height surfaces.
No dexterous hands. Unlike the Unitree G1's higher-tier configurations, which offer three-finger and five-finger dexterous hands, the PM01 does not include articulated hand options. This limits its manipulation capabilities to basic gripping rather than fine object handling.
Battery life. The two-hour runtime from the 10,000 mAh battery, while adequate for demonstrations and short deployments, is insufficient for extended autonomous missions or full work shifts. Spare batteries and field swapping partially mitigate this limitation.
Young manufacturer. EngineAI was founded in October 2023 and had delivered approximately 100 units across all platforms as of early 2025. The company's ability to sustain large-scale production, provide long-term support, and honor warranty commitments remains unproven relative to more established competitors like Unitree, which has been operating since 2016.
Specification variability. Some sources report slightly different specifications for the PM01 (for example, 23 versus 24 DOF, or 300 versus 130 N-m/kg torque density), likely reflecting differences between the Commercial and EDU editions or evolving production specifications. Prospective buyers should confirm specifications directly with EngineAI.