MCM Robotics joins Unitree at WPAI 2026 and wins the New Market Pioneer Award
On 22 October 2026, the MCM Robotics team was in Hangzhou, China, for the World Physical AI Conference 2026 (WPAI 2026) and Unitree Partner Ecosystem Conference. This is Unitree's yearly gathering of partners, distributors and developers from around the world, and we came home with the New Market Pioneer Award 2026.
This year's theme was "Decade Forward, Grow Together", marking ten years of Unitree. In that time the company has grown from a small start-up into one of the world's leading makers of legged and humanoid robots. We were proud to be in the room as the official Unitree distributor and partner for South Africa.
Pieter Kemp, Head of MCM Robotics (left), and Johan van Niekerk, CEO of MCM Robotics (right), with the New Market Pioneer Award 2026 at WPAI 2026 in Hangzhou.
Recognised as a New Market Pioneer
The highlight of the trip came on stage. Unitree (Hangzhou Yushu Technology Co., Ltd.) gave MCMCO cc t/a MCM Robotics the New Market Pioneer Award 2026.
The award recognises partners who bring Unitree technology into new regions and build a market from the ground up. That is exactly what we have been doing in South Africa: we put quadrupeds and humanoids in front of farmers, miners, engineers, schools, government and families, often for the first time.
The award belongs to our customers and to the whole MCM team. Thank you to everyone who has trusted us, visited our stand, booked a demo or brought a Unitree robot into their business.
What we saw: physical AI in action
WPAI 2026 showed clearly how fast "physical AI" is moving, meaning AI that acts in the real world rather than only on a screen. Some highlights:
- The full quadruped line-up. Unitree's quadruped exhibition showed the range side by side, from the Go2 to the industrial B2 and the wheeled-leg variants.
- Industrial robots at work. Demos showed Unitree robots climbing 45° open-grid industrial stairs, crossing obstacles and patrolling plants. They carry equipment-recognition and temperature-monitoring payloads, the kind of work that suits South African mining, energy and manufacturing sites.
Watch: a Unitree quadruped on industrial inspection
Watch: climbing 45° open-grid industrial stairs
Ten years of Unitree, and what's next for South Africa
To mark Unitree's 10th anniversary, our MCM Midrand team put together a short tribute. It looks back at how the R1, G1 and Go2 have shown up across South Africa, from agricultural shows and expos to our offices in Midrand.
Happy 10th anniversary, Unitree, from the MCM Midrand team.
We came home from Hangzhou with new contacts, a closer look at the coming product roadmap, and even more conviction that robotics has a big role to play in Africa. Expect more demos, more industrial use cases and more local support from us in the months ahead. If you missed it, read how we brought Unitree robots to GovTech 2026 in Durban last month.
See a Unitree robot in person
Book a demo for your business, school or site.
We'll show you what a Unitree quadruped or humanoid can do, match the right platform to your work and support your team locally from day one.
Frequently asked questions
What is WPAI 2026?
WPAI 2026, the World Physical AI Conference and Unitree Partner Ecosystem Conference, took place on 22 October 2026 in Hangzhou, China. It brings together Unitree's partners, distributors and developers from around the world. The 2026 theme, "Decade Forward, Grow Together", marked ten years of Unitree.
What award did MCM Robotics receive?
Unitree (Hangzhou Yushu Technology Co., Ltd.) gave MCMCO cc t/a MCM Robotics the New Market Pioneer Award 2026. The award recognises partners who build a market for Unitree technology in a new region.
Is MCM Robotics an official Unitree distributor?
Yes. MCM Robotics is the official Unitree distributor and partner in South Africa. We supply Unitree quadrupeds and humanoids with local delivery, commissioning, training, manufacturer warranty and first-line technical support. Contact us to book a demo.