
EngineAI, a China-based robot startup, has introduced its PM01 humanoid robot, a more compact and affordable version of its recently launched SE01. The new model targets developers and researchers, marking the company's quick expansion in the competitive humanoid robotics market.
Key Points:
- PM01 stands 1.38 meters tall, weighs 88 pounds, features 24 degrees of freedom
- Priced at ¥88,000 ($12,000), available until March 31, 2025
- Includes dual-chip architecture with Intel and NVIDIA processors
- Offers 320-degree waist rotation and 2 m/s walking speed
Just two months after unveiling its flagship SE01, EngineAI is moving fast. The PM01 shows the company's strategy to capture different segments of the robotics market. While the SE01 aimed at industrial applications, the PM01 targets the growing community of robotics developers and researchers.

Let's talk specs. The PM01 packs some interesting features into its smaller frame. At 1.38 meters tall and 88 pounds, it's notably more compact and lighter than its bigger sibling. The standout features include 24 degrees of freedom for dynamic motion and a 320-degree waist rotation, making it adaptable for various applications. Its bionic design is complemented by a highly interactive core display inspired by Iron Man, which allows users to issue commands and access data seamlessly.

The price point tells an interesting story too. At $12,000, EngineAI is positioning the PM01 $3,000 below Unitree's G1 humanoid. This competitive pricing suggests we're entering a new phase in the humanoid robotics market, where companies are pushing to make these machines more accessible.
The technical architecture builds on EngineAI's earlier work. The PM01 uses the same end-to-end neural network system that gave the SE01 its smooth walking capabilities. Hardware-wise, the PM01 combines Intel N97 and NVIDIA Jetson Orin processors with an Intel RealSense depth camera. This setup handles the visual processing needed for environmental awareness. The robot can operate for two hours on a single charge - comparable to similar models in its class.
Meet the brand new ENGINEAI PM01 — embrace the ecosystem and chase the AI of evolution! EngineAI's open-source humanoid robot storms onto the scene with High-Dynamics.#EngineAI #PM01 #AI #technology #humanoidrobotics #OpenSource #TechInnovation #Developers #EmbodiedAI pic.twitter.com/ebxkz2Gtob
— EngineAI (@engineairobot) December 25, 2024
Competition in this space is heating up. While the PM01's walking speed matches Unitree's G1 at 2 meters per second, it's still behind the record-setting speeds of newer models like Unitree's H1. But speed isn't everything - EngineAI seems more focused on movement versatility and developer accessibility.
The open-source approach is particularly noteworthy. EngineAI is providing robust support for secondary development, suggesting they're betting on the developer community to expand the robot's capabilities. This strategy could help build an ecosystem around their platform.
As the humanoid robotics field gets more crowded, companies are carving out their niches. EngineAI's rapid release of two distinct models shows they're playing both the high-end and developer markets. The real test will be seeing how the developer community responds to this more accessible option.