China’s Unitree Robotics has unveiled the GD01, a 2.7-meter-tall, manned “mecha” robot that can be piloted from inside and perform heavy mechanical actions, marking a major step toward turning science fiction into reality.

The machine, priced at about 3.9 million yuan ($650,000), quickly went viral online, drawing comparisons to fictional robots like Gundam and Transformers while sparking global fascination with its futuristic design.

The company says the mecha is still in early development, with its final cost, performance, and mass production plans subject to change as engineers work on improvements and real-world usability.

Experts describe it as a milestone in embodied AI, highlighting both China’s rapid progress in robotics and current limitations such as battery life, comfort, and regulatory challenges, the Global Times has reported.

The launch reflects China’s broader push in humanoid robotics, supported by strong manufacturing supply chains, government backing, and a fast-growing industry leading global robot production and innovation.