Insider sources reveal that Unitree Technology and Alibaba are poised to embark on a significant strategic partnership aimed at overseas market expansion. The latest addition to Unitree’s robot lineup, the R1, was recently unveiled at Alibaba’s Xixi campus. According to staff, this move is part of the preparations for the upcoming ‘Shumaitong’ project, which is anticipated to be officially launched at the Shenzhen Brand Conference in mid-April. Close observers of Alibaba suggest that this initiative could be linked to Alibaba’s AliExpress platform. In March 2025, Unitree Technology had already established a presence on AliExpress by opening a dedicated store. Furthermore, earlier this year in January, more than 50 brands enrolled in AliExpress’s ‘Super Brand Overseas Expansion Plan.’ Looking ahead, AliExpress is set to prioritize brand growth and international hosting services in 2026, with plans to launch a large-scale recruitment drive for merchants.