Unitree Technology recently spotlighted its latest robot, the R1, at Alibaba’s Xixi Campus, where it captured considerable interest. Reliable sources indicate that both companies are gearing up for a significant strategic partnership aimed at accelerating overseas expansion. On-site employees revealed that the visit was part of the preparatory work for a new initiative dubbed ‘Shumaitong,’ which is slated to be unveiled at the Shenzhen Brand Conference in mid-April.

Insiders close to Alibaba speculate that the collaboration could entail in-depth integration with AliExpress. Notably, Unitree Technology launched its store on AliExpress in March 2025, coinciding with AliExpress’s rollout of its ‘Super Brand Global Expansion Plan’ in September 2025. By 2026, AliExpress plans to pivot its core strategy toward ‘brand globalization + overseas managed services,’ targeting over 30 major markets worldwide.