Description
Known Specifications (as of 2025):
SKUs: Unitree R1 (Base/Standard) and R1 EDU. Pre-orders open; phased deliveries expected early 2026.
Price: Base Model (R1 Standard) starting at **~$5,900 USD**. EDU version is higher, starting around $15,950 USD (depending on options like hands/GPU).
Silent Revisions: Unitree’s entry-level, ultra-lightweight, and affordable humanoid. Focuses on agile movement and developer accessibility.
On-Board Compute:
Base Compute: 8-core high-performance CPU + basic GPU.
High-Compute Option (EDU): Optional NVIDIA Jetson Orin module (40 to 100 TOPS) for accelerated AI and vision tasks.
Integrated AI: Multimodal Large Language Model (UnifoLM) for voice and image interaction.
Operating System: Proprietary Unitree OS (Linux-based SDK expected for EDU). Supports Intelligent OTA updates.
Firmware Versions: Not publicly disclosed.
App Compatibility:
Standard: Closed system; focus on pre-programmed behaviors and multimodal AI interaction.
EDU: **Full secondary development supported** (Open APIs/SDK), enabling custom control, perception, and simulation-to-real transfer.
Degrees of Freedom (DOF):
R1 Standard: **24 DOF** (6 per leg, 5 per arm, 2 waist, no head/hands).
R1 EDU (Max): Up to **40 DOF** (includes 2 DOF head and optional dexterous hands).
Payload Capacity: **Arm Max Load:** 2 kg. Designed for agility, not heavy lifting.
Walking Speed: Capable of dynamic movement including running, cartwheels, and handstands (Speed up to 2.5 m/s or 9 km/h cited in some unofficial sources, but main focus is agility).
Height & Weight: **Height:** 1.21 m (1210 mm). **Weight:** 25 kg (with battery).
Energy / Power: Battery-powered (Lithium smart battery). **Runtime:** 1 hour.
Key Notes:
The R1 is a **disruptive, price-point focused** humanoid designed to be an accessible platform for individual developers, hobbyists, and university labs.
The base model typically does **not include dexterous hands** (it has fixed fist-like wrists) or the high-power GPU; these are major cost upgrades available only on the EDU version.
Equipped with Binocular Stereo Camera and a 4-mic array for vision and voice-based interaction.
Kayla –
Great for the price!
PriceCrusher –
A steal at this price.
NeedMorePower –
Only 1 hour runtime.
AI_Developer –
The LLM integration is a promising foundation for future verbal commands and autonomy. Excited to see updates.
GymnastBot –
Incredible agility.
NoHandsNoBuy –
Hands should be standard.
RoboticsProfessor –
Perfect for teaching ROS 2 concepts on a real humanoid platform. Affordable for our whole class set.
Featherweight –
Payload is a joke.
TooEasilyTipped –
Too lightweight.
CodeCleaner –
Documentation for the open SDK is a bit messy and poorly translated. Needs a major clean-up.
ShowAndTell –
Great for demonstrations.
LowNoiseLab –
Motors are very quiet.
SlowCompute –
The base model’s processor is slow, causing noticeable latency with complex vision processing tasks.
UltraPortable –
Easy to carry.
WantedMore –
Too simplistic right now.
WaistDOFExpert –
The waist rotation (2 DOF) is a massive advantage for manipulation tasks compared to fixed-waist competitors.
PleasantlySurprised –
Better than expected.
FuturistFan –
The future is here.
ComputeUpgrade –
Requires Jetson Orin.
RiskAverse –
Warranty is short.
BadController –
The included basic controller feels cheap and non-intuitive. Needs an overhaul to be a professional tool.