China Unveils Rideable Robotic Horse Qiji X1 in Beijing

Engineers mounted an adult rider onto a metallic quadruped horse inside the Beijing International Exhibition Center, initiating the public demonstration of the Qiji X1.

The machine walked across an indoor track filled with loose gravel, timber planks, and steep inclines.

Development on the Qiji X1 started two years ago inside an eastern China robotics research center. Designers built the frame to carry human weight across rough terrain where traditional wheeled vehicles cannot pass.

Credit: China Insider / X

The quadruped weighs 180 kilograms and measures 1.4 meters tall at shoulder height. An internal lithium battery pack powers 16 electric joint motors inside the legs.

Operational specs from the engineering team show the frame holds up to 110 kilograms of payload. The robot reaches top trotting speeds of 12 kilometers per hour and runs for three hours continuously.

Technical Parameter	Measurement
Total Weight	180 kg
Maximum Payload	110 kg
Top Speed	12 km/h
Operating Duration	3 hours
Joint Actuators	16 high-torque motors
Sensor System	3D LiDAR, visual cameras, ground force sensors

Chief software engineer Zhang Wei demonstrated the machine for venue attendees.

"We designed the Qiji X1 to navigate mountain paths where wheeled vehicles fail and where live animals need constant care," Zhang said.

"The motion controller updates motor torque 1,000 times every second to keep the rider steady," Zhang said.

During demonstrations, the mechanical horse adjusted its step height automatically when crossing wooden obstacles. Force sensors inside each hoof calculated surface grip to prevent slipping on smooth exhibition flooring. Riders controlled movement direction using a handheld wireless device attached to the reins.

Watch it here:

#机器人也有坐骑了
“We’re both machines — why are you riding on me?”At the opening ceremony of the World Humanoid Robot Games（2026）, a humanoid robot makes its entrance mounted on a robotic steed, waving a huge banner.#CoolRobots@WHRG（BRTV Global记者 闫潇晗） pic.twitter.com/PfR3dKGtfm

— Hello Beijing (@Margare17290884) August 23, 2026

The manufacturer targets commercial buyers in national park management, search-and-rescue units, and agricultural monitoring. Expected retail prices range between $18,000 and $25,000 per unit.

Safety inspectors watching the test runs noted operational risks during sharp balance adjustments. Rapid motor shifts during unexpected trips could throw an unbuckled rider off the saddle.

City transportation authorities have not approved quadruped mechanical vehicles for use on public roads or sidewalks.

Assembly plants in Jiangsu province plan initial production runs early next year. Initial shipments will go directly to private tourist sites and outdoor industrial testing facilities.