Where robotics gets real: New humanoid robot joins the UCL Intelligent Robotics Group

We spoke to Chengxu Zhou, Associate Professor in Robotics and AI, to find out about our new colleague.

Three robots stand outside UCL East's marshgate building. On the left is a legged robot waving, in the centre is a humanoid robot wearing a UCL hoodie, on the right is a wheeled robot balancing on two wheels

Q: Who’s the new face in the lab? 

A: Say hello to the Unitree G1, our full-sized humanoid robot at UCL East! It’s got two arms, two legs, and even a head, just like us. We have just come up with a name — Easton. It’s a blend of East and London, a little nod to the area the robot calls home. 

Q: What’s special about this robot?

A: Unlike wheeled or quadruped robots (dog-like bots), this one walks on two legs and interacts more like a person. That means it can help us study how robots can move, think, and respond in everyday environments, from kitchens to classrooms.

Q: How do the different robots interact with one another?

A: Robots can already share data, coordinate movement, or perform cooperative tasks, but true multi-robot collaboration, especially among humanoids, is still in its infancy. These systems raise fascinating research questions around communication, intention understanding, and teamwork. By building collaborative behaviours into them, we also gain insights into how we as humans interact socially, and how intelligence might emerge in groups of agents.

Q: Can it talk to us?

A: Yes! It has sensors to see, hear, and speak. But we’re still teaching it how to understand the world. That’s where students like you come in.

Q: Wait. Students can actually work with it?

A: Absolutely. If you’re studying on our Robotics and Artificial Intelligence MEng or Robotics and Artificial Intelligence MSc programmes, you could be programming its vision or control systems as part of your final-year project. Some students already are!

Q: What kind of things will it be able to do in the future?

A: We’re working towards intelligent robots that help people; think assisting in healthcare, co-performing in theatre, or even tidying your room (eventually). It’s not about taking over; it’s about teaming up.

Q: Why is UCL East the place for this?

A: Our robotics facilities here are state-of-the-art. There’s space to test real-world scenarios, and we’re just around the corner from industry partners such as Cisco, IBM, Knight Frank, TUI travel and also a vibrant local community.

Q: What would you say to someone thinking of studying robotics at UCL?

A: If you’re curious about how robots move, learn, and help people, and want to build the future hands-on, UCL is the place to be. You’ll be part of a supportive, expert-led environment with access to amazing tech (like this robot!).

Three robots crossing the bridge between UCL East's Pool Street and Marshgate buildings. On the left is a wheeled robot, in the centre is a humanoid robot wearing a UCL hoodie, on the right is a legged robot.

Watch our humanoid robot in action. Video by Ian Yin, Robotics and AI MEng student. 

To learn more about the Robotics and AI programmes we teach at UCL East, please visit the prospectus pages. 

Robotics and Artificial Intelligence MEng, 4 year undergraduate programme

Robotics and Artificial Intelligence MSc, 1 year Master’s programme  

This interview was published in July 2025 to celebrate the arrival of the new humanoid robot. The information provided is correct at the time of publishing.