RoboCup Federation teams up with Booster, Fourier, and Unitree on humanoid robotics research and education
Advancing AI and robotics for improved human life
Dec-10 — The RoboCup Federation (RCF) has announced strategic partnerships with Booster Robotics, Fourier Intelligence, and Unitree Robotics, aiming to strengthen high-quality research and education in artificial intelligence and humanoid robotics while increasing global visibility through the integration of their humanoid platforms into RoboCup competitions.
RCF and the three partner companies share a common vision: intelligent robots that can support and assist humans in a wide range of demanding environments, both in domestic and professional settings. Achieving this goal, they emphasize, requires close collaboration between researchers, academic institutions, and industry stakeholders to collectively advance technologies that benefit society.
From the perspective of RoboCup Federation, the international scientific platform provides access to a global network of AI and robotics researchers, enabling deeper scientific exchange, collaborative development, and expanded research opportunities. This partnership is also aligned with RoboCup’s long-term ambition: by the middle of the 21st century, to develop a fully autonomous team of humanoid robots capable of defeating the winners of the FIFA World Cup under official rules.
In turn, Booster, Fourier, and Unitree have committed to leveraging their industrial capabilities, business networks, and commercialization channels to support RoboCup-related research initiatives, as well as to promote greater visibility and real-world adoption of robotics technologies. They will also contribute communication resources and platforms to help expand awareness of robotics research and applications.
“The RoboCup Federation is very excited to be partnering with Booster Robotics, Fourier Intelligence, and Unitree Robotics towards our shared goal of advancing intelligent robotics through cutting-edge research and world-class development,” said RoboCup President Ubbo Visser. “I strongly believe this collaboration will allow us to achieve faster and more impactful progress than any of us could accomplish independently.”
Booster Robotics CEO Hao Cheng shared his perspective, highlighting his personal connection to RoboCup through his academic background at Tsinghua University and early participation in RoboCup competitions. He emphasized the transformative potential of AI, autonomy, and machine learning, and expressed optimism about advancing RoboCup’s long-term vision of humanoid robot soccer competing at the level of human world champions by 2050.
Fourier Intelligence CEO Alex Gu described the partnership as a catalyst for inspiration and innovation in humanoid robotics, underscoring its potential to accelerate practical applications of robotics across real-world environments.
Unitree Robotics CEO Xingxing Wang emphasized RoboCup’s role as a leading global platform for robotics innovation, noting that collaboration across industry and academia will help accelerate the mainstream adoption of humanoid robotics and advance the field of robotic soccer.
About RoboCup Federation
The RoboCup Federation is an international network of leading robotics researchers and institutions that uses the RoboCup competition series as a platform to advance robotics and AI research. Founded in 1997, RoboCup has become a global, long-running “moonshot” initiative in autonomous robotics and artificial intelligence. Its scope has expanded from autonomous soccer-playing robots to include rescue, domestic, and industrial robotics challenges aimed at addressing real-world societal needs.
About Booster Robotics
Booster Robotics is a humanoid robotics company focused on advancing productivity through embodied AI. With more than two decades of technical expertise among its core team — many of whom have participated in RoboCup competitions — the company develops robust humanoid platforms designed for research and development. Its Booster T1 robot, introduced in 2023, is designed with RoboCup-aligned standards, supporting durability, secondary development, and soccer-oriented applications, reflecting the company’s alignment with RoboCup’s long-term vision.
About Fourier Intelligence
Fourier Intelligence is a global robotics company dedicated to improving quality of life through full-stack robotics technologies. Founded in 2015, it develops intelligent robotic systems for rehabilitation, research, and practical applications across healthcare and industry. Its GR-1 humanoid robot, launched in 2023, represents a major step in embodied AI and reflects the company’s broader mission to bring accessible, intelligent robotics into everyday use.
About Unitree Robotics
Unitree Robotics is a leading civilian robotics company specializing in the development and production of high-performance quadruped and humanoid robots, manipulators, and related systems. The company is known for its vertically integrated approach, developing core components such as motors, reducers, controllers, LiDAR, and motion control algorithms in-house. With extensive global recognition and a strong patent portfolio, Unitree has become a major player in consumer and industrial robotics, contributing to the advancement of legged robotics and embodied intelligence.