The company plans to introduce the R1 through the platform’s Brand+ channel, which features internationally recognized brands and offers free shipping and returns.

The rollout will target major markets including North America, Europe, Japan, and Singapore, with broader distribution expected on additional platforms later, SCMP reported, citing two sources familiar with the matter.

First launched in mainland China last year and marketed as "born for sport," the R1 stands 123 cm tall, weighs about 27 kg, and can perform movements such as cartwheels, lying down, standing up, and running downhill.

Unitree gained widespread attention after 16 of its H1 humanoid robots performed a synchronized folk dance at China’s Spring Festival Gala early last year, the country’s most-watched annual television event.

The robots returned to the show this February, performing more complex choreography, including mid-air somersaults, highlighting improvements in agility compared to their appearance the previous year.

The Hangzhou-based firm shipped more than 5,500 humanoid robots in 2025, surpassing U.S. competitors including Tesla, Figure AI, and Agility Robotics, which each delivered around 150 units, according to research firm Omdia.

Founder and CEO Wang Xingxing said in February that the company aims to ship between 10,000 and 20,000 robots this year.

The company filed for an initial public offering on the Shanghai Stock Exchange in March, seeking to raise 4.2 billion yuan (US$610 million).