Unitree’s $16,000 G1 humanoid robot debuted last August with 23 degrees of freedom but a recent algorithm update has expanded the bot’s balance capabilities and repertoire of movements.

“It’s onwards and upwards,” Littlefield said. “We’ll get that Group 1.” Such is the dramatic rise to fame for She’s Bulletproof, the lure of a G1 victory might not be enough for connections to ...