Anna Hartz
Low-Cost Humanoid Robot Brings Robotics Closer to Everyday Use
Humanoid robots are moving closer to everyday reality. For years they lived in science fiction, but now machines like Tesla’s Optimus and Figure AI’s Figure 02 show that the technology is stepping into the real world. Some walk.
Some balance. Some can even perform flips. Now a new entry is catching attention because of its price.
Never Before Been This Cheap
Unitree Robotics, a Chinese company known for its four-legged robots, has unveiled the R1. It is a humanoid robot that costs under 6,000 US dollars, according to Videnskab.
That is not cheap, but it is far more affordable than most humanoid robots, which often sell for tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
But Can It Do Backflips?
The R1 stands about 1.2 meters tall and weighs 25 kilograms. That is the size of a heavy suitcase.
It has 24 to 26 joints, which allow it to bend, twist, rotate, and move in a way that looks surprisingly human.
It can walk, squat, wave, and kick. In Unitree’s own demonstrations it can even pull off backflips.
Decision-Making
The robot carries cameras for 3D vision, microphones, and other sensors that help it understand its surroundings.
A built-in computer processes sound and images at the same time. Buyers can upgrade it with an Nvidia Jetson Orin, giving it more power for advanced tasks like image recognition and real-time decision-making.
One Hour Battery Life
Battery life is about one hour. The pack is swappable, which makes it fine for labs, classrooms, or short tests. Unitree is clear about the limitations.
The hardware is advanced, but the software is still developing. The challenge is not only movement but also adaptation and safe interaction in unpredictable environments.
The Advantages of Humanoid Robots
Humanoid robots are not always the most efficient design. A wheeled robot can move faster on flat ground. A robotic arm can lift heavier loads.
But the human shape has advantages. It fits into spaces designed for people. It can climb stairs, open doors, and handle objects without special modifications.
It is also easier for people to accept and interact with a machine that looks familiar.
Golden Age for Tech
The R1 is not built to replace humans. It is built to make humanoid robotics more accessible.
By lowering the cost, Unitree is opening the door for universities, startups, and even hobbyists to experiment.
The robot world is entering a golden age of testing, and the R1 could play a key role in that shift.
