The New War in Humanoid Robotics Between Pudu Robotics and Tesla: A Journey of Science, Technology, and the Future
China's Pudu Robotics has entered into a direct competition with Elon Musk's Tesla in the humanoid robot sector. Explore the mechanism, sensors of humanoid robots, and the future of the global market.
A new global phase has begun in the field of humanoid robotics. A global leader in commercial robotics, China's Pudu Robotics, is now set to directly compete with Elon Musk's Tesla in the humanoid robot sector. According to the company's founder and CEO Felix Zhang Tao, humanoid robots are the next important frontier for Pudu Robotics. According to the company's report, deriving 80% of its total sales from overseas markets, the company is now also exploring options to develop manufacturing capacity in Europe.
Robots with human-like form and functionality are no longer limited to science fiction movies or exhibitions. These robots are rapidly gaining ground in hospitals, factories, the entertainment sector, and service industries. This commercial and technological competition between major companies like Tesla and Pudu Robotics is shaping the future of the global robotics industry.
- 1. Data SensingSpeed, balance, and environmental information are obtained through proprioceptive and exteroceptive sensors.
- 2. ZMP CalculationA stability point is determined to maintain balance using the Zero Moment Point (ZMP) method.
- 3. Actuator ExecutionIntegrated motors and gearing systems provide precise power to rotate joints.
- 4. Path PlanningThe robot moves forward without collision using obstacle avoidance methods.
What is a Humanoid Robot? Structure and Fundamental Concept
Humanoid robot: A robot with a human-like shape and physical structure. The design of these robots is generally based on human size and shape (anthropomorphic design), which includes a main torso, a head, two arms, and two legs. Some humanoid robots feature the design of specific parts rather than a complete human body. In technical language, a robot bearing a striking resemblance to a human physical body is called an android, while a robot with a female-like appearance is known as a gynoid.
The main purpose of building a humanoid robot is to work with tools and environments that are fundamentally designed for humans. Whether working in a factory or caring for a patient, a humanoid robot can use the exact same tools that a human uses without any modifications. However, implementing the complex balancing process and movement of the human body in a robot is an extremely challenging technical task.
The Mechanism of a Humanoid: How Sensors and Actuators Work
There are three main pillars for carrying out any process in robotics: sensing, planning, and control. Sensor: A technical device that measures external or internal conditions. In a humanoid robot, sensors are divided into two main categories.
The first are proprioceptive sensors: sensors that measure the internal state, orientation, and speed of the body. Just as the otoliths and semicircular canals inside the human ear maintain balance, in humanoid robots, an accelerometer measures acceleration. In addition, tilt sensors are used to measure inclination, force sensors to measure the force applied on limbs, and position sensors to determine a specific location.
The second category is exteroceptive sensors: sensors that gather information from the external environment. For example, for computer vision, most robots use charge-coupled device (CCD) cameras that function like the human eye. Microphones are used to hear sound and speech. For the sensation of touch, tactels—minute sensors that provide the experience of touch—are arranged beneath the skin. According to exchanged information, the fingertips of the famous Shadow Hand robot have an array of 34 tactels arranged beneath a polyurethane skin.
| Component Type | Technology / Example | Main Function |
|---|---|---|
| Proprioceptive Sensors | Accelerometer, Tilt sensor | Measuring body balance and speed |
| Exteroceptive Sensors | CCD Camera, Tactiles (Shadow Hand) | Acquiring vision and touch information |
| Actuators | Integrated Joint Modules, Hydraulic | Providing power and movement to joints |
The work of giving motion to the robot is done by actuators: motors that function like the muscles and joints of the robot. These actuators can be electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic. Previously, Boston Dynamics' famous Atlas robot used hydraulic actuators (which were retired in 2024). However, by 2026, the entire robotics industry has migrated toward integrated joint modules, which use high-torque brushless motors and strain wave gearing—a specialized gear mechanism that delivers high torque—to achieve more power in a smaller size.
Planning and Control: The Science of Maintaining Balance on Two Legs
In robotics, planning means determining the path of what activity the robot will perform, and control means executing that activity. Walking on two legs like a human (bipedal locomotion) is the most complex part for a humanoid. When a robot walks, it is necessary that its center of gravity remains within the support area of its feet.
To maintain dynamic balance, robotics scientists use the Zero Moment Point (ZMP): a method that maintains the dynamic balance of the robot. ZMP is a point on the ground where the moment of all inertial and gravitational forces becomes zero. Based on the data received through sensors, the robot calculates the ZMP in real-time and changes the position of its legs and torso. Apart from this, when working in open environments instead of enclosed environments like factories, path planning is done in such a way that the robot automatically recognizes obstacles and prevents collisions with itself.
- Determining the path of movementThe precise path of the robot's movement is determined through planning.
- ZMP CalculationZMP (Zero Moment Point) is calculated in real-time based on data received from sensors.
- Dynamic balance and executionMovement is executed through control by keeping the center of gravity within the support area.
Real-World Applications: Medical, Entertainment, and Industries
The utility of humanoid robots is currently growing rapidly in various fields of science and industry. In the medical field, robots like WABIAN-2 have been developed for leg rehabilitation. In addition, humanoids have been used as robotic nurses to care for patients and in experimental remote-controlled surgeries conducted in 2026.
Humanoids are also making their presence felt in the entertainment sector. Walt Disney Imagineering has created aerial stunt-performing robots called Stuntronics. In 2025, China's Unitree company live-streamed a boxing tournament between four G1 robots. In 2025, more than 500 robots from 280 teams participated in the World Humanoid Robot Games (WHRG) held in Beijing, featuring competitions such as football, running, and dancing. At the 2025 VOYAGEX Music Festival, PNDbotics' Adam robot took the stage as a keyboardist, and at the 2025 and 2026 Spring Festival Galas, 16 Unitree H1 robots danced alongside human artists.
| Competition Name | Year / Detail | Key Statistics and Features |
|---|---|---|
| World Humanoid Robot Games (WHRG) | 2025 (Beijing) | Over 500 robots from 280 teams |
| Ultimate Robot Knock-out Legend (URKL) | July 2026 (EngineAI) | $1.4 million prize and 10 kg gold belt |
In July 2026, a professional combat league named Ultimate Robot Knock-out Legend (URKL) was launched by EngineAI, featuring a prize pool of $1.4 million (1.4 million dollars) and a 10-kilogram pure gold belt for the winner. In this league, all teams were provided with standard T800 robots. According to EngineAI CEO Zhao Tongyang, this tournament was not just for entertainment; the match data is used to develop future commercial robots.
Future Direction and Open Questions
Humanoid robots could play vital roles in hazardous environments in the future, such as space missions or deep mines. This journey, which began with Honda Asimo, has now reached the hands of commercial giants like Pudu Robotics and Tesla.
However, achieving complete autonomy and flexibility remains a major challenge. The adaptive agility and decision-making capacity of the human body have not yet been fully replicated in robots. Pudu Robotics' focus on the global market and Tesla's humanoid race are proof that the coming decade will be the decade of the humanoid robotics revolution.
