China’s robotics company Unitree has just introduced the R1, a humanoid robot priced at under $6,000, far cheaper than most bipedal robots currently on the market.
Announced on Friday, the R1 stands out not only for its price but also for what it represents: a serious attempt to bring humanoid robots out of labs and into more everyday use.
Traditionally, this space has been dominated by companies like Boston Dynamics and Hanson Robotics, whose robots can cost well into the six figures.
Unitree says the R1 is designed for a wide range of applications like factory work, research, education, and even home assistance.
Unitree’s R1 robot: Technical features
Unitree’s new humanoid robot, the R1, weighs about 25 kilograms and comes with 26 joints, giving it a decent range of motion for a machine in its class.
It’s not just about limbs and movement, though the R1 also comes equipped with onboard cameras, microphones, and a built-in AI system that lets it process speech and visuals together.
In plain terms, it can see, hear, and respond in real time.
The company says the robot can handle basic jobs, whether it’s carrying items across a room or navigating simple tasks in a workplace. Nothing flashy or futuristic yet, but that’s kind of the point.
This isn’t a research prototype or a six-figure engineering marvel meant for trade shows.
It’s designed to be useful, affordable, and ready to work in everyday settings.
Until now, humanoid robots have mostly lived behind closed doors, built for research labs, military projects, or corporate showrooms with no real path to mainstream use.
Unitree is clearly trying to rewrite that playbook.
By slashing the price and positioning the R1 for everyday environments, the company isn’t just trying to sell a robot; it’s pushing the idea that these machines don’t have to be experimental showpieces anymore.
Price disruption begins
With a base price of 39,900 yuan, roughly $5,566, the R1 is Unitree’s most affordable humanoid robot by a wide margin.
It’s a sharp drop from the company’s earlier G1 model, which launched just last year at more than double the price.
The cost cut is largely thanks to streamlined production and smarter component design, according to the company.
To put that into perspective, high-end humanoid robots from major players like Boston Dynamics or Tesla’s Optimus are still expected to run well into six figures.
Even Unitree’s own H1 robot still carries a price tag north of $90,000.
The R1’s price point isn’t just low, it’s a direct challenge to an industry that, until now, has been limited to deep-pocketed institutions and R&D labs.
The timing of the R1’s debut is no coincidence; it was unveiled during China’s largest annual AI forum in Shanghai, underscoring the growing role of robotics in the country’s long-term tech strategy.
The event served as a clear signal of government support, as Beijing continues to push for leadership in advanced manufacturing and intelligent automation.
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