In a world where advanced robots often seem distant and unattainable, Unitree Robotics has introduced something remarkable: the Unitree R1. At a price of around $5,900 (39,900 yuan), this new humanoid robot changes what is possible—and for whom. Previously, full-featured humanoids would cost tens of thousands of dollars, putting them far beyond most people’s reach. The R1 rewrites that story, offering sophisticated robotics at a cost many can seriously consider.
A Compact Shape for Human Spaces
The Unitree R1 is thoughtfully designed for the spaces we live, work, and learn in. Weighing just 25 kg and standing about 1.2 to 1.3 meters tall, it finds a natural place in homes, offices, and laboratories. It is neither too large nor too bulky, making it easy to fit into daily life.
The robot’s frame is engineered to move like we do. With 26 degrees of freedom, the R1 is capable of smooth, graceful motion—walking, turning, reaching, and gesturing. This advanced movement makes the robot feel present and expressive, whether guiding a guest, delivering an object, or simply responding to a question.
Intelligent Interaction
At the center of the Unitree R1 lies its multimodal AI. This means it can listen and see at the same time, understanding both voice commands and the visual world around it. The R1 responds to people, recognizes tasks, and adapts moment by moment. Such intelligence enables the robot to help with a variety of daily or specialized tasks, from answering questions to moving through new spaces.
A Platform for Creativity and Learning
Beyond out-of-the-box abilities, the R1 is built for possibility. Its software platform welcomes developers, students, and tinkerers. You can add new features, create behaviors, or adapt the robot for projects unique to your needs. For researchers and educators, this means an accessible real-world laboratory; for small businesses and enthusiasts, a chance to experiment and innovate without barriers.
Opening Doors for All
Unitree revealed the R1 on July 25, 2025, sharing early demonstrations through social media and its official YouTube channel. Although the R1 is still evolving, the release is already inspiring the robotics community. By bringing advanced robotics within financial reach, Unitree invites a much wider audience—developers, educators, hobbyists, even smaller companies—to join the conversation and the adventure.
This shift signals more than just a new machine. It is a movement toward the democratization of humanoid robots: making technology available to those with vision and curiosity, not just to large research labs or corporations. The hope is that, as more hands and minds meet the R1, new use cases and ideas will flow into workplaces, homes, and classrooms everywhere.
Safety and Early Steps
Unitree reminds users that the R1, while accessible and adaptable, is still a complex robot in active development. For all its promise, care and respect are needed. Users are urged to follow recommended safety practices and guidelines. As the global field of humanoid robotics remains young, each careful use and experiment moves our understanding forward.
A New Era for Humanoid Robots
The arrival of the Unitree R1 marks an important chapter in robotics. Lightweight, AI-powered, and built for customization, the R1 balances affordability with real capability. By inviting more people to explore, experiment, and create, it helps bridge the distance between imagination and reality. In the coming years, the story of this robot may become the story of how humanoid robots finally become part of everyday life.
Key Specifications of Unitree R1
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Price | ~$5,900 (39,900 yuan) |
| Weight | 25 kg |
| Height | ~1.2–1.3 m |
| Degrees of Freedom | 26 |
| AI Capabilities | Voice recognition, image recognition |
| Platform | Developer-ready, customizable |
| Status | Early reveal, active development |
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