PHYBOT M1
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Last reviewed
Apr 26, 2026
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16 citations
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v4 · 3,296 words
Add missing citations, update stale details, or suggest a clearer explanation.
| Developer | PHYBOT (Beijing Phybot Technology Co., Ltd.) |
| Type | Humanoid robot |
| Country of origin | China |
| Founded | September 2024 |
| Unveiled | 2025 |
| Height | 172 cm (5 ft 8 in) |
| Weight | <60 kg (132 lb) |
| Degrees of Freedom | 32 |
| Battery | Dual 9 Ah swappable; 72 V system; 2+ hours runtime |
| Walking Speed | 1.4 m/s (5.0 km/h) |
| Running Speed | 2.8 m/s (10.1 km/h) |
| Peak Joint Torque | 530 N·m |
| Payload | 10 to 20 kg (arms); 50+ kg (backpack system) |
| Compute | NVIDIA Jetson Orin + Intel Core i7 |
| Sensors | 3D LiDAR, stereo RGB cameras, IMU |
| Actuators | PhyArc cycloidal drives (proprietary) |
| Target Price | Under $42,000 USD |
| Website | phybot.tech |
PHYBOT M1 is a full-size, electrically driven humanoid robot developed by Beijing Phybot Technology Co., Ltd. (PHYBOT), a Chinese robotics startup founded by Tsinghua University alumni. Standing 172 cm tall and weighing under 60 kg, the M1 gained widespread attention after performing a standing backflip and precision "superman" landing in a demonstration video, a feat the company claims makes it the first full-size electric humanoid to achieve a human-like backflip. PHYBOT has described the M1 as "the most powerful humanoid robot ever created," citing its peak joint torque of 530 N·m, instantaneous power output exceeding 10 kilowatts, and a torque density of 200 N·m/kg.[1][2][3]
The M1 is designed for physically demanding tasks in industrial, logistics, and disaster response environments. Its proprietary PhyArc cycloidal drive actuators provide high torque capacity and shock resistance, while a hybrid computing architecture pairing an NVIDIA Jetson Orin with an Intel Core i7 processor supports real-time perception and motion control. With a target price under $42,000, PHYBOT positions the M1 as both a research-grade platform and an industrial workhorse that undercuts many competitors on cost.[4][5]
PHYBOT was established in September 2024 by Ren Xiaoyu (CEO) and Mao Shuhan, who were roommates in the mechanical engineering program at Tsinghua University in Beijing. Before founding PHYBOT, Ren worked on humanoid robot algorithms at UBTECH Robotics in Shenzhen and served as a senior motion control engineer at Fourier Intelligence in Shanghai, giving him direct experience with two of China's most prominent humanoid robotics firms. Mao Shuhan holds dual degrees in engineering and finance and brings investment banking experience to the company's business operations.[5][6]
The founders' combined expertise in mechanical engineering, motion control, and business strategy shaped PHYBOT's vertically integrated approach. The company emphasizes that the M1 was developed entirely in-house, with no reliance on open-source robotics frameworks or what PHYBOT describes as "technical crutches." This philosophy of full-stack proprietary development, from underlying hardware to upper-layer software, is intended to establish a technological moat similar to the approaches taken by Tesla and AgiBot.[5][7]
In January 2026, PHYBOT completed a billion-level (over 200 million yuan, approximately $28 million USD) Angel++ financing round. The company announced plans to deploy the capital toward three priorities: accelerating development of its general-purpose humanoid robots and core joint module technologies, advancing commercialization across multiple application scenarios, and expanding its global presence.[8]
PHYBOT operates under the motto "Robot for AI," reflecting a belief that physical robotic hardware is essential for bridging the gap between cognitive artificial intelligence and embodied intelligence. The company's approach combines what it calls a "General Motion Control Model" with custom hardware design, aiming to create robots that can learn and adapt to real-world physical tasks rather than operating purely from pre-programmed routines.[8]
The PHYBOT M1 stands 172 cm (5 feet 8 inches) tall and weighs under 60 kg (132 pounds), giving it proportions that closely match those of an average adult human. The frame is constructed from titanium and aluminum alloys, providing structural strength while keeping the overall mass low enough for dynamic acrobatic maneuvers such as backflips. The robot has 32 degrees of freedom distributed across its body, enabling a wide range of human-like movements including walking, running, bending, reaching, and manipulation tasks.[1][2][3]
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 172 cm (5 ft 8 in) |
| Weight | <60 kg (132 lb) |
| Construction material | Titanium and aluminum alloy + composite |
| IP rating | IP42 |
| Total degrees of freedom | 32 |
| DOF per hand | 6 |
| Maximum walking speed | 1.4 m/s (5.0 km/h, 3.1 mph) |
| Maximum running speed | 2.8 m/s (10.1 km/h, 6.3 mph) |
| Arm payload capacity | 10 to 20 kg |
| Backpack payload capacity | 50+ kg |
| Fingers per hand | 5 |
| Battery system | Dual 9 Ah swappable, 72 V |
| Battery life | 2+ hours |
| Peak joint torque | 530 N·m |
| Torque density | 200 N·m/kg |
| Peak instantaneous power | 10+ kW |
| Compute platform | Intel Core i7 + NVIDIA Jetson Orin |
| Operating system | Linux/ROS2 |
| LiDAR | 3D LiDAR |
| Cameras | Stereo RGB (depth + motion tracking) |
| IMU | Yes |
| LLM integration | Yes |
| Actuator type | PhyArc cycloidal drives (proprietary) |
| Gear technology | Five-arc cycloidal |
| Shock load tolerance | 5x overload capacity |
| Active cooling | Yes |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Ethernet, WiFi |
| ROS compatible | Yes |
The defining technology of the PHYBOT M1 is the PhyArc series of integrated cycloidal drive joint modules, developed entirely in-house. Unlike the harmonic drives used by the majority of humanoid robots (which account for more than 90% of robot joint modules on the market), PHYBOT opted for cycloidal gear actuators, a mechanical system typically reserved for heavy-duty industrial robots.[3][9]
Cycloidal drives transfer motion by distributing forces across multiple rolling contact points rather than relying on a single gear tooth. This design provides several advantages over harmonic drives for a humanoid robot that must handle high-impact dynamic loads:[9][10]
The PhyArc actuators achieve a peak joint torque of 530 N·m in laboratory tests. Industry commentator CyberRobo noted that "higher peak torque density, much like denser muscles, allows for tremendous force within a smaller and lighter volume." At 200 N·m/kg of torque density, the M1's actuators rank among the highest power-to-weight ratios in the humanoid robotics market.[2][3][5]
The tradeoff is that cycloidal drives have not yet been fully validated by the broader market for humanoid applications. Harmonic drives remain the preferred choice for most high-end humanoid robots due to their proven track record and extremely low backlash. PHYBOT's bet on cycloidal technology is a calculated gamble that the advantages in strength, durability, and shock resistance outweigh the risks of adopting a less established approach.[10]
The M1 operates on a 72-volt high-performance electrical system powered by dual 9 Ah swappable batteries. This dual-battery configuration provides over 2 hours of continuous operation and allows for hot-swapping in the field, reducing downtime. The peak instantaneous power output exceeds 10 kilowatts, equivalent to giving a human-sized machine the explosive output of a small motorcycle engine for brief bursts, as required during backflips or heavy lifting maneuvers.[1][2][3]
An active cooling system manages heat dissipation during continuous high-power tasks, preventing thermal throttling of the actuators and processors during sustained operation.[5]
The M1 employs a hybrid computing architecture that pairs an NVIDIA Jetson Orin processor with an Intel Core i7 processor. This dual-processor setup divides responsibilities: the Jetson Orin handles AI inference, vision processing, and neural network workloads, while the Intel Core i7 manages real-time motion control and system-level coordination. The architecture supports rapid data processing essential for navigating complex environments and making split-second decisions during dynamic movement.[1][2][4]
PHYBOT also provides an open SDK and APIs, positioning the M1 as an accessible development platform for researchers and developers who want to build custom applications or integrate the robot into existing workflows.[5]
The M1 is equipped with a multi-modal sensor array for perception and navigation:[1][2]
This sensor combination feeds continuous data into the robot's onboard AI system for real-time environmental understanding, path planning, and dynamic stability control.
The PHYBOT M1 gained international attention when the company released a video showing the robot performing a full standing backflip followed by a precision "superman" landing. PHYBOT claims this makes the M1 the first full-size electric humanoid robot to execute a human-like backflip, distinguishing it from Boston Dynamics' hydraulic Atlas robot, which performed similar acrobatics but relied on hydraulic actuation rather than electric drives.[1][2][3]
The backflip demonstration served as a proof of concept for the PhyArc cycloidal drive technology, showcasing the explosive power, precise control, and structural resilience required to launch a 60 kg robot into a full aerial rotation and land safely. The feat requires the actuators to generate massive instantaneous torque (over 530 N·m) while the computing system maintains precise body orientation and timing throughout the maneuver. Upon landing, the actuators must absorb significant impact forces without damage, leveraging the cycloidal drives' 5x shock overload tolerance.[3][5]
The demonstration drew comparisons to acrobatic feats by other humanoid robots. Unitree Robotics' H1 also demonstrated backflip capability, but PHYBOT emphasized that the M1's combination of full human size (172 cm), electric-only actuation, and high power output distinguishes its achievement.[2][11]
The M1 is designed for practical load-bearing work. Its arms can lift between 10 and 20 kg, sufficient for handling boxes, tools, and components in warehouse and manufacturing settings. For heavier loads, the robot features an integrated modular backpack system capable of carrying more than 50 kg. This backpack system effectively transforms the M1 into a mobile heavy-lift platform, suitable for material handling, logistics, and field operations where equipment or supplies must be transported across uneven terrain.[1][2][4]
Each hand features five fingers with 6 degrees of freedom, providing the dexterity needed for basic manipulation tasks such as grasping handles, operating tools, and placing objects with reasonable precision.
PHYBOT has designed the M1 for deployment across several domains where physical strength, mobility, and environmental adaptability are required:
As of early 2026, PHYBOT's products were entering a pilot verification phase with leading industry clients, and the company had established partnerships with domestic and international universities for collaborative research.[8]
The M1 is the flagship model in PHYBOT's growing product lineup, which addresses different market segments and use cases.
The PHYBOT C1 is a compact humanoid robot designed for home, education, and interactive companion applications. At 128 cm (4 feet 2 inches) tall and 28 kg (62 pounds), the C1 is significantly smaller than the M1 and is built for safe operation in indoor environments around people.[12][13]
| Feature | PHYBOT M1 | PHYBOT C1 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 172 cm (5 ft 8 in) | 128 cm (4 ft 2 in) |
| Weight | <60 kg | 28 kg |
| Degrees of freedom | 32 | 25+ |
| Peak joint torque | 530 N·m | 244 N·m |
| Arm payload | 10 to 20 kg | 5 kg |
| Back payload | 50+ kg | 20 kg |
| Battery life | 2+ hours | 4+ hours |
| Actuator type | PhyArc cycloidal drives | Cycloidal gear actuators |
| Locomotion | Bipedal (walking/running) | Bipedal (walking) |
| Primary use case | Industrial, logistics, research | Home, education, companion |
| Unique features | Backflip capability, modular backpack | HD projection module, breathing light strip |
| Target price | Under $42,000 | ~$22,000 |
The C1 is notable for being one of the first small humanoid robots to use cycloidal gear actuators, technology typically found only in larger industrial systems. It features an advanced imaging module for multimodal interaction, an HD projection module that can display information directly in front of the user, and a dynamic breathing light strip for visual feedback and emotional expression cues. The C1 uses a removable battery that provides over 4 hours of endurance, with modular quick-swap support for near-continuous operation.[12][13]
PHYBOT's product lineup also includes the PHYBOT C2, a service robot designed for commercial service environments, and the PHYBOT D1, a four-wheeled-foot robot that combines passenger and cargo transport capabilities with the ability to navigate extreme terrain. These products reflect the company's strategy of applying its core PhyArc actuator technology across multiple robot form factors and market segments.[8]
The PHYBOT M1 enters an increasingly crowded humanoid robotics market, where it differentiates itself primarily through raw physical power and an aggressive price point.
| Company | Robot | Height | Weight | DOF | Key Differentiator | Approximate Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHYBOT | M1 | 172 cm | <60 kg | 32 | High torque, backflip, cycloidal drives | <$42,000 |
| Boston Dynamics | Atlas (electric) | 150 cm | 89 kg | 56 | Dynamic agility, Hyundai backing | Not publicly available |
| Tesla | Optimus | 173 cm | 71 kg | 28+ | Dexterity, mass production plans | $20,000 to $30,000 (target) |
| Unitree Robotics | H1 | 180 cm | 47 kg | 19 | Speed record, low weight, open ecosystem | ~$90,000 |
| Figure AI | Figure 02 | 168 cm | 70 kg | 41 | Helix VLA AI, BMW deployment | ~$100,000 (est.) |
| Fourier Intelligence | GR-2 | 175 cm | 63 kg | 53 | High DOF, rehabilitation heritage | ~$100,000 (est.) |
Each major competitor emphasizes different strengths. Boston Dynamics is celebrated for unparalleled agility and dynamic motion control. Tesla's Optimus focuses on dexterity and safe object handling, with plans for mass production at low cost. Unitree Robotics' H1 holds speed records and emphasizes efficient locomotion. Figure AI's robots are built around advanced AI with real-world deployment at BMW factories.[2][5][11]
PHYBOT's M1 carves out a distinct niche by emphasizing strength as its competitive differential. The 530 N·m peak joint torque and 200 N·m/kg torque density place the M1 at or near the top of electric humanoid robots in terms of raw power output. The sub-$42,000 price target also positions it as one of the more affordable full-size research-grade humanoids, undercutting platforms from Figure AI and Unitree Robotics by a significant margin.[4][5]
However, the M1 faces challenges common to new entrants in the humanoid robotics space. The robot has not yet demonstrated the kind of sustained real-world deployment track record that Figure AI achieved with its 11-month BMW pilot. Additionally, while the cycloidal drive technology offers clear advantages in torque and shock resistance, its relative novelty in humanoid applications means it lacks the long-term reliability data available for harmonic drive systems used by most competitors.[10]
PHYBOT is part of a rapidly expanding Chinese humanoid robotics ecosystem that has attracted significant government support and venture capital. As of early 2026, China was home to dozens of humanoid robot companies, including UBTECH Robotics, AgiBot, Unitree Robotics, Fourier Intelligence, Galbot, and many others. The Chinese government has identified humanoid robots as a strategic technology and has included them in national development plans, driving substantial investment into the sector.[14]
Globally, the humanoid robot market was projected to grow from approximately $2.92 billion in 2025 to $15.26 billion by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 39.2%. In the first half of 2025 alone, $3.1 billion was invested across 61 venture deals in the humanoid robotics sector, exceeding the $2.9 billion invested in the entire period from 2010 to 2024.[15][16]
PHYBOT's September 2024 founding and rapid development timeline, moving from incorporation to functioning prototype with backflip capability in roughly a year, reflects the intense pace of development in China's humanoid robotics industry. The company's founders' backgrounds at UBTECH Robotics and Fourier Intelligence illustrate the talent circulation within this ecosystem, as experienced engineers leave established firms to launch startups with differentiated technical approaches.[5][6]