EngineAI PM01 humanoid robot can now run

Humanoid robots are getting more agile all the time.

The widely-discussed Shenzhen-based startup EngineAI recently shared footage of its compact humanoid robot, the PM01, running outside for the first time.

The PM01 robot, developed by Shenzhen startup EngineAI, runs outside for the first time in Shenzhen Talent Park, Nanshan District. Zhou Yumeng

In the video, the 1.388-meter-tall, 40-kilogram robot ran smoothly in Nanshan District's Shenzhen Talent Park. The PM01 has 24 degrees of freedom (DoF), allowing for smooth, dynamic joint movements, and a maximum speed of 2 m/s. The robot's swappable battery lasts for approximately two hours per charge.

The robot is said to be training for next month’s half marathon in Beijing, during which dozens of humanoid robots will run alongside more than 12,000 human participants.

EngineAI introduced the PM01 humanoid robot in December 2024. The company compared the robot to the Terminator in its post on BiliBili, a Chinese video sharing site.

EngineAI says cushioning devices on the robot’s soles help it run. In the video, the robot also comes to a quick stop without stumbling.

The PM01 is a downsized version of the SE01, EngineAI’s full-sized, flagship humanoid robot.

The startup captured significant global attention when it seemingly emerged out of nowhere in October 2024 with a demo showcasing the full-sized humanoid’s shockingly humanlike walking. The PM01 is also noted for its distinctive strut.

More compact humanoid robots have an advantage when attempting to perform a front flip due to their lower center of mass. They’re inherently harder to tip over and require less torque to rotate. Full-sized humanoid robots also need stronger joints to absorb the landing impact.

The running demo video comes two weeks after EngineAI highlighted the compact robot’s ability to execute a front flip, a world first in humanoid robotics. A week later, EngineAI shared footage of the PM01 vacationing at a Marriot resort, which was apparently made in collaboration with Marriot. 

Shenzhen is integrating EngineAI’s robots into its operations as it transforms itself into an AI-driven metropolis. Video clips circulating on social media show PM01 robots undergoing regular training in public, assisting police officers on the streets, and interacting with the public.

According to EngineAI, the PM01 features advanced visual perception capabilities thanks to its Intel RealSense depth camera. It features an interactive touchscreen on the chest of its aluminum alloy exoskeleton and is powered by Intel N97 and Nvidia Jetson Orin processors.

Founded in October 2023, EngineAI has quickly become a focal point in the robotics industry due to its remarkably lifelike humanoid robots. To date, it has unveiled four models.