On June 1, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang announced a partnership with Chinese robotics company Unitree Robotics to launch the “H2+” humanoid robot reference design. Under the cooperation, Unitree provides the humanoid robot platform, while Nvidia supplies AI computing systems, robotics foundation models, and simulation support. The collaboration has drawn international attention because Unitree was added to the U.S. Department of Defense’s “Chinese Military Companies” list earlier this year over concerns about potential dual-use military applications.
The partnership has also sparked debate within China. Some commentators warned that amid U.S. export restrictions, reliance on Nvidia could leave China’s robotics sector dependent on foreign core technologies, making that Chinese firms primarily manufacturing providers without control over key technologies.
National Business Daily (NBD), a Chinese media, defended the partnership, arguing that it reflects a “complementary and mutually beneficial” relationship rather than one-sided dependence. It argues that Unitree’s strengths lie in humanoid robot hardware, motion control, engineering integration, and large-scale manufacturing, while Nvidia provides advantages in AI computing platforms, robotics foundation models, and software ecosystems. It calls the cooperation as “Nvidia provides the brain, while Unitree provides the body.”
The partnership could help Unitree expand internationally by leveraging Nvidia’s global ecosystem and influence. Unitree’s hardware platforms may gain broader access to overseas universities, research institutions, and developers, helping the company strengthen international recognition and accelerate technological iteration.
At the same time, Unitree can retain significant technological autonomy. The company reportedly plans to raise 4.2 billion yuan (approximately US$620 million) through its IPO process, with nearly half allocated to robotics model research and development. The rise of other Chinese humanoid robotics firms and domestic AI companies could further diversify China’s technological base and reduce long-term foreign dependences.
Source: NBD, June 7, 2026
https://www.nbd.com.cn/articles/2026-06-07/4419266.html