In a market where humanoid robots often come with staggering price tags, Unitree has made waves with the launch of its R1 humanoid robot, starting at just $5,900. That figure is more than $10,000 cheaper than the company’s earlier G1 model, which starts at $16,000, and dramatically undercuts top-tier humanoids that can cost over $100,000. However, as with the G1, that entry price may apply only to the Chinese market, leaving open the question of what the R1 will cost internationally.
The R1 showcases a variety of moves and capabilities familiar from Unitree’s other creations. It can perform handstands reminiscent of the Go2 Pro robotic dog and execute punching and kicking routines similar to those seen in the G1 humanoid. The design allows for a customizable appearance, making it adaptable to different applications and user preferences.
Unitree is offering the R1 in two configurations. The Standard version, which carries the headline $5,900 price tag, is a stripped-down model aimed at affordability. The EDU version, marketed as the fully equipped option for institutional buyers and developers, has no public price yet, with the company inviting interested parties to contact them directly for details.
If Unitree maintains this low pricing outside of China, the R1 could make advanced humanoid robotics accessible to a much wider audience. Education programs, research teams, and small-scale commercial operations could all benefit from a capable yet comparatively inexpensive platform, accelerating innovation in AI integration, automation, and human–robot interaction without the enormous costs that have traditionally been a barrier.