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| Toyota has unveiled CUE7, the latest generation of its basketball robot, designed to make shots from up to 25 meters. |
Just when you thought humanoid robots couldn’t get any more impressive, Toyota rolls out a 2.19‑meter (7.2‑foot) giant that sinks baskets from nearly the length of a bowling lane. Only recently, another humanoid robot made headlines by hitting a top speed of 10.1 m/s in a 100‑meter sprint – faster than Usain Bolt’s average. And yes, we’ve seen basketball‑playing droids before. But Toyota’s newly unveiled CUE7 proves that the bar keeps rising, and this time it’s set at 25 meters (82 feet).
From Side Hobby to Guinness‑Level Hoops
The CUE series started as a passion project back in 2017, when a group of Toyota employees decided to build a robot that could shoot free throws in their spare time. Fast‑forward to today, and that after‑hours tinkering has evolved into a serious robotics platform. Earlier models already turned heads: CUE3 nailed 2,020 consecutive free throws – a feat of precision that would leave any NBA player envious. Then CUE5 set a Guinness World Record for the longest basketball shot by a humanoid robot, draining a 24.55‑meter (80.5‑foot) bomb.
Now comes CUE7, and Toyota isn’t hiding its ambitions. The new model is expected to extend that record to 25 meters – roughly the distance from one free‑throw line to the opposite basket. But distance isn’t the only upgrade.
What Makes CUE7 Different?
At first glance, you’ll notice CUE7’s towering 2.19‑meter frame – significantly larger than most humanoid hoopers, including the well‑known Unitree G1. While the G1 relies on bipedal walking and springy joints, Toyota took a different route. CUE7 moves on rollers attached to its feet, which gives it smoother, more controlled motion on the court. Its hands are also custom‑moulded to grip a standard basketball, ensuring consistent release and spin.
The result? Fluid, almost human‑like shooting mechanics. Footage from the recent presentation (embedded below) shows CUE7 catching, lifting, and releasing the ball with noticeably less jerkiness than previous generations. Whether that translates to a higher shooting percentage from downtown remains to be seen, but the early signs are promising.
👉 Watch the official presentation here.
(Source: WELT via YouTube – in German, but the visuals speak for themselves.)
More Than a Party Trick
It would be easy to dismiss CUE7 as a publicity stunt – a giant robot sinking long shots for viral views. But Toyota’s deeper strategy is far more serious. The CUE series has quietly become a testbed for three core technologies:
- AI & computer vision – tracking the hoop, calculating trajectory, adjusting for distance.
- Motion control – balancing a tall, top‑heavy body while executing a smooth throw.
- Sensor fusion – integrating gyroscopes, accelerometers, and pressure sensors to replicate human‑like hand‑eye coordination.
These same building blocks could later power robots in elderly care, hospital logistics, warehouse automation, or even home assistance systems. In other words, every swish on the basketball court is a small step toward a future where humanoid robots help us with everyday tasks.
According to WELT’s report, Toyota plans to ramp up its robotics investments significantly. The company is increasingly positioning itself as a direct competitor to names like Tesla (with its Optimus bot) and Unitree (known for the G1 and H1 series). Unlike flashy concept videos, Toyota brings decades of manufacturing discipline and real‑world engineering to the table – and CUE7 is proof that they’re not just playing games.
What’s Next for CUE7?
For now, the robot remains a demonstration platform. Toyota hasn’t announced any plans to sell CUE7 or turn it into a commercial product. But the trajectory is clear: each new iteration pushes the envelope in precision, range, and movement fluidity. If CUE7 successfully hits that 25‑meter shot, don’t be surprised to see a CUE8 dribbling or even passing the ball.
And while a full‑court robot vs. robot basketball league still sounds like science fiction, we’ve learned to stop underestimating what a bunch of passionate engineers can do after hours.
Bottom line: Humanoid robots are no longer just sprinting or walking – they’re shooting from way downtown. Toyota’s CUE7 may look like a gentle giant, but its 25‑meter range sends a clear message: the race to build the most capable humanoid is far from over, and it’s going to be a slam dunk of a competition.