The Chinese company Unitree Robotics, known for its highly agile quadruped robots, has officially introduced the Unitree R1, their new bipedal humanoid robot designed as an “intelligent companion,” with a surprisingly competitive starting price of $5,900. This announcement underscores the growing trend toward democratizing advanced personal robotics.
A humanoid robot for less than $6,000
The R1 is a 127-centimeter-tall, 44-pound bipedal robot that incorporates multiple perception, locomotion, and processing capabilities thanks to its modular and compact design. Most notably, Unitree has set the base price at just $5,900 for the consumer version, making it one of the most affordable humanoid robots in its category on the market.
This model is intended for educational applications, developers, and researchers seeking a highly mobile, programmable platform. It also points toward future domestic uses, such as an assistant or companion robot.
Notable technical features
The Unitree R1 is equipped with:
- 17 motorized degrees of freedom, powered by high-performance custom motors
- Depth sensors and an RGB camera for 3D vision and autonomous navigation
- An integrated AI processor capable of running computer vision models and voice commands in real-time
- Wi-Fi connectivity and ROS 2 support, easing integration into robotics development environments
- Replaceable batteries offering up to 2 hours of normal use
The R1’s locomotion builds on proven quadruped technology from Unitree, adapted for a bipedal body. Thanks to its dynamic control algorithms, it can walk stably, maintain balance, and navigate small obstacles.
An “assistant” that listens and responds
A key aspect of the R1 is its capacity for natural interaction. According to Unitree, the robot can respond to simple voice commands, hold basic conversations, and recognize faces. Promotional videos show it greeting, nodding, and walking alongside people.
It can also perform programmed routines such as dancing, waving, or object following. Its compact design allows it to maneuver easily indoors without posing physical risks, unlike larger or industrial robots.
Versions and pricing
Unitree has announced three versions of the R1:
- R1 Air (from $5,900): Basic version for developers, without advanced AI features.
- R1 Pro (price to be confirmed): Adds autonomous navigation, visual recognition, and voice control capabilities.
- R1 Edu/Research (price higher): Geared toward universities and laboratories, with full SDK access, advanced APIs, and additional sensors.
The company has not yet specified the release date but is accepting interest registrations via its website.
A step forward in affordable robotics
The launch of the R1 comes at a time when other companies like Figure, Tesla, Xiaomi, and Boston Dynamics are also working on humanoid robots, mostly geared toward industrial applications or with significantly higher price tags.
Meanwhile, Unitree aims to position itself as a provider making bipedal, intelligent robotics accessible to developers, students, and hobbyists. The approach is reminiscent of their quadruped robot, the Unitree Go1, which revolutionized its sector by offering advanced mobility for under $3,000.
An expanding market
According to a recent report by MarketsandMarkets, the global humanoid robot market is projected to surpass $17 billion by 2028, driven by advances in AI, component miniaturization, and increasing demand for social and domestic automation.
Given the affordable price point, the R1 could become a popular platform for educational projects, entertainment, research, and potentially future commercial applications in retail, assistance, or reception services.
Conclusion
The Unitree R1 marks a new phase in the pursuit of functional, accessible humanoid robots. While significant challenges remain — such as autonomy, robustness, and advanced interaction — its debut reinforces the idea that personal robotics is no longer a distant promise but an emerging, programmable reality.