Breaking Barriers: EngineAI’s Robot Nails a Front Flip - Watch Here

Shenzhen-based robotics company EngineAI has made history by successfully performing the world’s first robot front flip. The achievement marks a major breakthrough in robotic agility and mobility.

In a video posted on its YouTube channel, EngineAI demonstrated how its PM01 robot executed a front flip, briefly stumbling before stabilizing. The engineering team ensured precise calculations to maintain stability and control the robot’s centre of gravity upon landing.

The video was also posted on the X handle of Engine AI showcasing the frontflip.

Advancing Robotic Mobility

This milestone follows previous achievements in robotic movement. Boston Dynamics pioneered the first robotic backflip in 2017, while Chinese startup Unitree achieved a back somersault last year. Unlike their full-size robots (1.5m and 1.8m tall), EngineAI’s PM01 is a more compact 1.38 meters in height.

A new wave of Chinese robotics start-ups has drawn interest from all around the world, including EngineAI.  When 16 of Unitree's H1 robots performed a folk dance at the Spring Festival Gala, which was televised by state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV), last month, the humanoid robots sparked intense debates.
 

EngineAI: A Rising Robotics 

Founded in October 2023 by Zhao Tongyang, a serial entrepreneur, EngineAI focuses on developing humanoid robots and intelligent automation solutions. Zhao previously led Dogotix, a robotics firm acquired by Chinese EV giant Xpeng in 2020, where he later headed the company’s robotics division before founding EngineAI.

Earlier this year, EngineAI gained attention with its SE01 humanoid robot, which walks with an impressively natural gait. Nvidia researcher Jim Fan praised the innovation, noting that the walking style “has swag” after confirming the footage was real.

EngineAI: Pricing and Market Plans

EngineAI has mass-produced its PM01 model, priced at $13,700. While the company has not revealed the exact price of its premium SE01 model, co-founder Yao Qiyuan stated it aims to keep costs between 150,000–200,000 yuan ($20,000–$27,000).

With its rapid advancements, EngineAI is positioning itself as a key player in humanoid robotics. The successful front flip is just another step toward building more agile, human-like robots for real-world applications.