On February 23, Shenzhen EngineAI Robotics Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as EngineAI) unveiled a historic milestone as its full-size humanoid robot, PM01, completed the world's first forward flip stunt.
Not just dance and walk, Shenzhen humanoid robot sets record for first humanoid to front flip!
The feat, achieved just two months after the prototype's debut on December 24, 2024, slashes the R&D timeline by several months compared to Boston Dynamics's similar breakthroughs.
Notably, the startup, which was established just 15 months ago, has achieved three major technological leaps: In October 2024, it became the first to achieve a humanoid natural gait, meeting the performance standards of an international-level athlete. In January 2025, the humanoid robot made its dynamic balance debut on CCTV New Year's Gala. The latest milestone is the successful completion of the world's first forward flip stunt by a humanoid robot.
What does it mean that a humanoid robot is capable of forward flips? EngineAI's answer is: reshaping the boundaries of imagination.
"Compared to backflips, front flips are much more challenging," said Yao Qiyuan, co-founder and head of marketing at EngineAI. He explained that the forward flip imposes extremely high demands on the robot's dynamic balance, instantaneous acceleration, and precise landing. Compared to backflips, the center-of-gravity control in forward flips is more complex. The robot must adjust its posture mid-air, overcome inertia, and utilize sensors to continuously correct its motion trajectory in real time to ensure landing stability.
The humanoid robot is performing a forward flip.
"Humanoid robots now achieve an extremely high success rate in forward flips, with the capability for routine replication," stated Yao. While this "cyber kungfu-style showcase" may not yet directly apply to commercial scenarios, it has elevated the robots' dynamic performance to unprecedented levels.
"Robotic Citywalks"
Before achieving the world's first front flip by a humanoid robot, EngineAI's humanoid robot PM01 had already created a buzz on the streets of Shenzhen with "CityWalk". Earlier this year, many netizens reported chance encounters with the robot on Shenzhen's streets, where its elegant and natural gait, along with smooth movements, captured widespread attention.
Established in October 2023, EngineAI has unveiled three scenario-specific humanoid robots in just 14 months with a team of 50 people. Yao believes that this achievement is partly attributable to the fertile technological ecosystem of Nanshan District in Shenzhen.
Nanshan District has gathered a host of robot companies such as EngineAI, LimX Dynamics, and UBTECH Robotics, and is also home to many cutting-edge tech internet companies like Tencent, Baidu, and ByteDance. This has created a powerful industrial agglomeration effect, providing fertile ground for the vigorous development of the robotics industry.
Humanoid robots from EngineAI
Looking to the future, EngineAI will join hands with more technology and supply chain companies to make contributions to China's robotics industry in areas such as robot scenario implementation, technology research and development, and supply chain management
Reporter | Zhang Siyu
Editor | Huang Qini, James, Shen He
Photo | Shenzhen EngineAI Robotics Technology Co., Ltd.
