A cost-effective, terminator-like robot taking a stroll stunned an NVIDIA scientist.

Local media confirmed on January 8 that the humanoid robot seen in the video is from Shenzhen-based Zhongqing Robotics and is codenamed SE01.

Chinese reports stated that the robot, which is intended for use as an industrial tool, was officially released on October 24.

Footage shows the robot walking around with apparent ease and no balance issues.

Local reports also mentioned that the robot cost just CNY 100,000 (GBP 11,220) to build, with potential end-user prices as low as CNY 150,000 (GBP 16,822)—a significant bargain compared to similar humanoid robots.

NVIDIA Senior AI Research Scientist Jim Fan initially suspected the video may have been generated by the AI video generation tool Sora.

Fan, who works for the American tech company perhaps best known for its graphics cards, said: 'Allegedly shot in Shenzhen. Is this real? Can someone verify? I've seen this company posting very natural humanoid walking gaits a couple months ago. These days, it's hard to tell CGI vs Sora vs Real.'

Chinese media reported that SE01 is 1.7 metres (5.5ft) tall, is made of aviation-grade aluminium, and weighs about 55 kilogrammes (121.25 lbs).

It has a battery life of two hours and only needs servicing once every decade.

Zhongqing Robotics described the video as a 'multi-terrain long-distance stability test'.

Yao Qiyuan, the company's marketing director, claimed that SE01 is the first in the world to truly solve the problem of the robot's natural gait, completely saying goodbye to the unhealthy pace of other robots with small steps, bent legs, and stomping feet, and achieving the goal of walking flatly, quickly, steadily, and elegantly, greatly narrowing the gap between robots and humans.

Robots are being developed in several countries, with China and the United States leading the 'tech arms race.'

A military-style robot dog was even seen protecting President-Elect Donald Trump in Florida earlier this month. Meanwhile, in Texas, Elon Musk's Tesla hopes to have its version of a humanoid robot, called Optimus, available for sale in 2026.

Musk - who played a prominent role in the recent US election victory of Donald Trump - recently presented Optimus, describing it as a multi-functional assistant capable of handling household chores, playing with children, and assisting with various repetitive tasks.