Is the Unitree R1 shipping now?

Yes. R1 began shipping April 2026. Authorized dealers K-Robotics and ToborLife are fulfilling orders now. Unitree Direct is backordered — new orders ship Q3 2026. Also available on AliExpress globally.

Unitree R1 vs G1: Which is better?

R1 is 58-74% cheaper ($15-19K vs $44-74K EDU), lighter (25kg vs 35kg). G1 has 2hr battery (vs 1hr), up to 43 DOF, 5,500+ units deployed. Both shipping now. Choose R1 for budget, G1 for proven capability.

Where can I buy the Unitree R1 in USA?

Through authorized dealers K-Robotics and ToborLife (shipping now), Unitree Direct (backordered, Q3 2026), AliExpress, or RobotShop. BotInfo.ai provides free dealer comparison at botinfo.ai/articles/unitree-r1-humanoid-robot.

Unitree R1 Price & Specs 2026 | $4,900-$35K | Ships April

Name: Unitree R1 Humanoid Robot
Brand: Unitree Robotics
Availability: InStock

📍 Unitree R1 — Shipping Now | June 2026

The Unitree R1 starts at $4,290 USD (dual-arm) and $4,900 USD (bipedal consumer). EDU research models $10,000-$35,000 USD. R1 began shipping April 2026 — units are delivering now. Available from authorized USA dealers including K-Robotics and on AliExpress globally. Get a free dealer comparison below.

✅ Shipping Now — Units Delivering

Buy Unitree R1 Humanoid Robot

The most affordable humanoid robot you can buy. 11+ variants from $4,290-$35,000. Compare dealers, get quotes, or order through verified partners.

$4,290+

Starting

121cm

Height

25kg

Weight

100 TOPS

AI Power

Now

Shipping

🆕 What's New — April–June 2026

R1 Shipping

Phased deliveries began April 2026. Unitree Direct new orders ship June 2026.

New Dual-Arm Platform

R1-A5, R1-A7, R1-A5-D, R1-A7-D launched April 2026. Fixed or wheeled base, from $4,290.

AliExpress Global

R1 now available on AliExpress — North America, Europe, Japan, Singapore.

Unitree IPO Filing

¥4.2B STAR Market IPO accepted. 335% revenue growth in 2025. 5,500+ humanoids shipped.

📊 BotInfo Analyst Note

The R1 Ecosystem Is Expanding Fast

With bipedal R1 units now shipping and four new dual-arm modular platforms (R1-A5/A7) launching from $4,290, Unitree is flooding the affordable humanoid market. The dual-arm variants are particularly significant for labs — they provide a stable, low-risk platform for manipulation research without the complexity of bipedal locomotion.

For Fall 2026 academic procurement, the timing is ideal: order now, receive by summer, operational by September. Labs planning NSF or DOE grant submissions should factor the expanded R1 lineup into budget justifications — 3-4 dual-arm R1-A5 units can be procured for the price of a single G1.

— BotInfo.ai Research Team, June 2026

📍 Quick Navigation

Get Your R1 R1 vs All Humanoids Basic vs EDU New: Dual-Arm R1 Specifications Support

Get Your R1 — Tell Us What You Need

Whether you're a researcher, educator, developer, or hobbyist — we'll match you with the right R1 variant and the best dealer for your needs. Ships to USA, Canada, Mexico & international.

📋 Free R1 Procurement Brief

Variant recommendation, dealer pricing comparison, and institutional documentation. R1 is shipping now.

✓ Variant recommendation

✓ Dealer pricing comparison

✓ PO / grant documentation

✓ Direct dealer intro

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Last Name *

Email *

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Budget *

Timeline *

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✓ 24-hour response | ✓ No obligation | ✓ We match you with the best dealer

Authorized R1 dealers we work with:

K-Robotics (education PO program, academic pricing) · ToborLife (Mountain View CA showroom) · Unitree Direct (shop.unitree.com) · AliExpress · RobotShop

New: R1 Dual-Arm Modular Platform

Launched April 2026 — Unitree's new dual-arm platform shares R1 electronics and AI but replaces bipedal legs with a fixed base or wheeled chassis. Ideal for manipulation research without locomotion complexity.

Model	Base	Arm DOF	Total DOF	Weight	Est. Price
R1-A5	Fixed	5×2	15-21	~11-13 kg	From $4,290
R1-A7	Fixed	7×2	19-31	~11-13 kg	TBD
R1-A5-D	Wheeled	5×2	15-21	~30-32 kg	TBD
R1-A7-D	Wheeled	7×2	19-31	~30-32 kg	TBD

Key specs: 10 TOPS base computing (optional Jetson Orin upgrade to 40-100 TOPS). Interchangeable end effectors — 2, 3, or 5-finger hands. ±0.1mm end-clamp accuracy on R1-A7. 1.5hr battery on wheeled "D" models. Supports secondary development and OTA updates.

Get Dual-Arm R1 Pricing →

Humanoid Robot Comparison 2026: Which Can You Actually Buy?

Most humanoid robots in headlines aren't available for purchase. Here's what you can actually buy — with real prices, real availability, and real capabilities. Updated June 2026.

Robot	Price	Computing	DOF	Can You Buy It?	Best For
Unitree R1 This page	$4,290-$35K	✅ 100 TOPS	15-40	✅ Shipping Now	Budget research, hobbyists, creators
Unitree G1	$16K-$74K	100 TOPS	23-43	✅ Shipping Now	Advanced research, manipulation
1X NEO	$20,000 / $499/mo	Custom AI	22 (hands)	✅ Pre-order	Home use, consumer
Tesla Optimus	$20-30K target	FSD chip	28+	❌ Not for sale	Manufacturing (internal)
Figure 03	Not disclosed	TBD	TBD	❌ Enterprise pilots only	Logistics (B2B)
Booster T1	~$10K	TBD	36	⏳ 2026	Industrial, commercial

💡 Verdict: The Unitree R1 is the most affordable humanoid with ROS 2 support that you can actually buy and receive today. Tesla Optimus and Figure robots are not available to the public.

🔍 R1 vs G1: Quick Decision Guide

✅ Choose R1 if:

Budget under $35K
Multi-robot fleet research
Hobbyist or content creator
Prioritize computing power (100 TOPS)

✅ Choose G1 if:

Need maximum DOF (43)
Require 2+ hour battery
Advanced manipulation research
Budget $45K+

Full G1 buying guide → · R1 vs G1 comparison → · Compare all humanoids →

See the R1 in Action

Official demo: running at 9 km/h, cartwheels, handstands, and balance recovery.

Unitree R1 demonstrating cartwheels, running, and balance recovery

R1 dynamic mobility — cartwheels, running, balance recovery

⚠ Critical: R1 Basic vs R1 EDU

The Basic model does NOT support programming. This is the most important distinction.

⚡ Key Point: R1 Basic ($5,900) is remote-controlled only — NO ROS 2, NO Python, NO SDK. For research or development, choose R1 EDU ($10,000+).

Capability	R1 Air / Basic	R1 EDU Variants
Price	$4,900 - $8,990	$10,000 - $35,000
Programming	❌ Not supported	✅ Full SDK
ROS 2	❌ No	✅ Yes
Computing	8-core CPU	40-100 TOPS Jetson
Warranty	8 months	12 months

R1 Technical Architecture

Unitree R1 technical diagram — joint locations, sensors, computing module, battery

R1 component layout and joint distribution

✅ June 2026 Availability Status

Status: Shipping — deliveries began April 2026

Unitree Direct: New orders ship June 2026

K-Robotics: Fulfilling orders now

AliExpress: Available globally

R1 Specifications Summary

Height	121-123 cm (bipedal) / up to 132cm (wheeled)
Weight	25-29 kg (bipedal) / 30-32 kg (wheeled dual-arm)
DOF	15-40 (varies by model)
Battery	~1 hour bipedal / ~1.5 hours wheeled (hot-swappable)
Speed	Up to 9 km/h (bipedal tested at 10 m/s peak)
Computing	8-core CPU base, optional NVIDIA Jetson Orin (40-100 TOPS)
SDK	ROS 2, Python, C++ (EDU only)
Price	$4,290 - $35,000 USD
Status	Shipping Now

Last verified: June 2026

🔧 Post-Purchase Support

BotInfo.ai coordinates between buyers and dealers for setup and support.

📦 Setup Guidance

Deployment assistance

🔗 ROS 2 Integration

Workflow connection

📋 Variant Selection

Match to your goals

🤝 Dealer Routing

Best dealer for your needs

Explore the Full Unitree Catalog

Compare all Unitree models — humanoids, robot dogs, and industrial platforms — with dealer pricing.

G1 Humanoid from $16,000 Go2 Robot Dog from $2,590 H1/H2 Industrial from $29,900

View Full Catalog →

R1 vs G1: Which Unitree Humanoid Is Right for You?

Both the R1 and G1 are shipping now. Understanding the tradeoffs helps you invest wisely.

Specification	R1 EDU Smart	G1 EDU Standard	Advantage
Price (EDU)	$15,000 - $19,000	$43,900 - $73,900	R1 (58-74% cheaper)
Height	121cm (4 ft)	127-132cm (4.2-4.3 ft)	Similar
Weight	25-29kg	35-47kg	R1 (lighter)
DOF Range	24-40	23-43	Similar
Computing	Up to 100 TOPS	Up to 100 TOPS	Comparable
Battery Life	~1 hour	~2 hours	G1 (2x runtime)
Availability	Shipping now	Shipping now	Both available
Walking Speed	Up to 9 km/h	Up to 7.4 km/h	R1 (faster)
Head Articulation	2-DOF pan/tilt (Smart+)	Fixed head	R1 (active gaze)
Units Deployed	Early shipments	5,500+ globally	G1 (proven)

Choose R1 If:

Budget is primary constraint (58-74% cheaper)
Need articulated head for HRI/gaze tracking
Lighter weight matters for safety/transport
Multi-robot deployment planned (3 R1s = 1 G1 price)
Hobbyist, content creator, or smaller lab

Get R1 Quote →

Choose G1 If:

2-hour battery is essential
Maximum DOF (43) for manipulation research
5,500+ units deployed — proven platform
Budget is less constrained ($45K+)
Need maximum structural rigidity

View G1 Guide →

Read the full R1 vs G1 side-by-side comparison →

R1 vs Other Humanoid Platforms: What Can You Actually Buy?

Many humanoid robots in headlines aren't available for purchase. Here's an honest look at what's on the market as of mid-2026.

Robot	Price	Availability	Target Market	Open Dev
Unitree R1	$4,290-$35K	✅ Shipping now	Education, Research, Hobbyist	✅ ROS 2
Unitree G1	$16K-$74K	✅ Shipping now	Research	✅ ROS 2
1X NEO	$20K / $499/mo	✅ Shipping	Consumer / Home	❌ Closed
Booster T1	~$10K	⏳ 2026	Commercial	Limited
Tesla Optimus	$20-30K target	❌ Not public	Manufacturing	❌ Proprietary
Figure 03	Not disclosed	❌ Enterprise only	Logistics	❌ Proprietary
Fourier GR-2	$150K+	⏳ Enterprise	Healthcare	Limited

Key Insight: The R1 is the most affordable humanoid with full ROS 2 support available to researchers in North America. Tesla Optimus and Figure robots are not available to the public. 1X NEO targets home consumers, not research.

Can I Buy Tesla Optimus Instead of R1?

No. As of mid-2026, Tesla Optimus is deployed internally at Tesla factories only. No consumer or institutional sales have been announced. The $20-30K price target is speculative.

If you need a humanoid for research, the Unitree R1 ($4,290-$35K) and G1 ($16-74K) are both shipping now with open development support.

R1 vs 1X NEO: Which Should I Choose?

Different robots for different purposes. 1X NEO ($20,000 or $499/mo) is a consumer home robot. No SDK, no ROS 2. R1 EDU ($10-35K) is a research platform with full development support, NVIDIA Jetson, and open architecture. Choose NEO for home. Choose R1 for labs.

3-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Beyond purchase price, what does it cost to operate a humanoid robot? Realistic TCO for grant budgets.

R1 EDU Smart

Robot Purchase$18,000

Spare Batteries (2x)$1,200

3-Year Maintenance$4,500

Shipping & Setup$800

3-Year TCO$24,500

Get R1 Quote →

G1 EDU Standard

Robot Purchase$43,900

Spare Batteries (2x)$2,000

3-Year Maintenance$7,500

Shipping & Setup$1,000

3-Year TCO$54,400

View G1 Options →

Multi-Robot Budget Advantage

The R1's lower cost enables multi-robot research impossible with higher-priced platforms.

Budget: $50,000

G1 EDU

Budget: $50,000

2-3

R1 EDU Smart

Research Enabled

Swarm coordination, multi-agent systems, collaborative tasks

Where to Purchase: Authorized Dealers

R1 is shipping now — here's where to place your order.

Dealer	Models	Pricing	Delivery	Notes
K-Robotics	Basic, EDU	Full price $8,990+	Shipping now	Education PO program, academic pricing — get quote
ToborLife	All variants	Deposits or full	Shipping now	Mountain View CA showroom
Unitree Direct	Air, Basic	$4,900 - $5,900	Q3 2026	Consumer only; buyer handles customs
AliExpress	Air, Basic	~$4,370+	Varies	Global shipping; multiple sellers
RobotShop	Basic, EDU	Listed pricing	Q2-Q3 2026	International shipping

Ready to order?

Get Matched with a Dealer →

We compare dealers and find the best option for you

Need institutional support?

Get Free Procurement Brief →

PO documentation, grant-ready quotes

June 2026 Update: R1 began shipping in April 2026. Units are delivering to customers. Unitree Direct is backordered — new direct orders ship Q3 2026. Authorized dealers like K-Robotics are fulfilling orders faster.

Institutional Procurement Timeline

Order now for Fall 2026 deployment.

✓

April 2026: R1 Began Shipping ✓

First R1 units delivered. Phased rollout began through authorized dealers.

NOW

June 2026: Order Now for Summer Delivery

Place orders through authorized dealers for fastest delivery. Submit institutional POs. Request procurement briefs. Ideal window for Fall 2026 semester setup.

JUL

July-August 2026: Setup & Integration

Receive delivery, unbox, SDK installation, ROS 2 workspace configuration, operator training, lab system integration.

FALL

Fall 2026: Full Research Operations

Robot fully integrated into curriculum or research. Student access, data collection, publication-ready experiments.

⏰ Academic Planning — June 2026

Fall 2026 Semester:

Order now. Summer delivery + 4-6 week setup = ready by September.

Spring 2027 Semester:

Order by October 2026.

Grant Proposals:

Start 8-12 months ahead. We provide grant-ready docs.

Need Help Navigating R1 Procurement?

Free procurement briefs with variant recommendations, dealer comparisons, and documentation templates.

Get Your Free Procurement Brief →

Explore the Full Unitree Catalog

Compare all Unitree models — humanoids, robot dogs, and industrial platforms — with dealer pricing.

G1 Humanoid from $16,000 Go2 Robot Dog from $2,590 H1/H2 Industrial from $29,900

View All Models & Dealer Pricing →

Frequently Asked Questions

Comprehensive answers about purchasing, specifications, delivery, and support for the Unitree R1. Updated June 2026.

Is the R1 shipping now?

Yes. Unitree began phased R1 deliveries in April 2026. Authorized dealers like K-Robotics and ToborLife are fulfilling orders now. Unitree Direct (shop.unitree.com) is backordered — new direct orders ship Q3 2026. The R1 is also available on AliExpress globally.

Can I program the R1 Basic?

No. The R1 Basic ($5,900) and R1 Air ($4,900) are consumer models with remote control only. No ROS 2, Python, or C++. For research or development, purchase an R1 EDU variant ($10,000+) with full SDK access.

Does the R1 EDU support ROS 2?

Yes. All R1 EDU variants include full ROS 2 support, Python and C++ interfaces on NVIDIA Jetson Orin. Unitree provides SDK documentation and example code.

What's the difference between 40 TOPS and 100 TOPS?

TOPS measures AI computing power. EDU Standard has 40 TOPS — sufficient for locomotion and basic perception. EDU Smart has 100 TOPS (2.5x more), enabling real-time LLM inference (7B+ parameters), complex vision, and multimodal AI. For AI/ML research, 100 TOPS is recommended.

Which R1 variant should I choose?

Quick guide:

Demonstrations/hobby: R1 Basic ($5,900) — no programming needed
Manipulation only: R1-A5 dual-arm ($4,290) — fixed base, 5-DOF arms
Locomotion research: EDU Standard ($10-12K) — 40 TOPS
AI/ML and HRI: EDU Smart ($15-19K) — 100 TOPS + articulated head
Manipulation: EDU Pro B ($22-28K) — 3-finger tactile
Advanced manipulation: EDU Pro D ($28-35K) — 5-finger tactile

Most university programs choose EDU Smart for best capability-to-cost ratio.

What's the battery life?

~1 hour per charge for bipedal models. ~1.5 hours for wheeled dual-arm models. Hot-swappable battery (replace without powering down). Spares cost ~$500-600 each. G1 offers ~2 hours. Budget for multiple batteries if extended runtime is needed.

How does R1 compare to Unitree G1?

Key tradeoffs:

Price: R1 $15-19K vs G1 $44-74K (58-74% cheaper)
Computing: Both up to 100 TOPS
Battery: R1 ~1hr vs G1 ~2hr
Availability: Both shipping now
Weight: R1 25-29kg vs G1 35-47kg
Track record: G1 has 5,500+ units deployed

R1 for budget + lighter weight. G1 for proven reliability + longer runtime.

Can I upgrade hands later?

Partially. Hand modules share mounting interfaces across Pro variants. However, tactile sensors cannot be retrofitted — requires complete hand replacement (~$5,200 each). Plan your configuration for 3-5 year research needs.

Is Tesla Optimus available to purchase?

No. As of mid-2026, Tesla Optimus is internal-only at Tesla factories. No consumer/institutional sales announced. The R1 is the most affordable humanoid with ROS 2 you can actually buy and receive today.

What about the 1X NEO robot?

1X NEO ($20,000 or $499/mo) is a consumer home robot. It has no SDK, no ROS 2, no open development. For a development platform, choose R1 EDU.

What are the new R1 dual-arm models?

Launched April 2026: R1-A5 (fixed base, 5-DOF arms, from $4,290), R1-A7 (fixed base, 7-DOF arms), R1-A5-D (wheeled), R1-A7-D (wheeled). These share R1 electronics and AI but replace legs with a stable base. Ideal for manipulation research without locomotion complexity.

What safety features does R1 include?

Hardware: Emergency stop, joint torque limiting, collision detection, thermal protection. Software: Virtual safety zones, speed limiting, watchdog timers, permission systems.

What's included with purchase?

Included: Complete robot, one battery (~1hr), charger, SDK (EDU only), documentation, warranty (8mo Basic / 12mo EDU). Not included: Spare batteries, additional hands, safety equipment, extended warranties.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Varies by dealer. K-Robotics and ToborLife have different cancellation policies. Confirm terms in writing before placing any order. Request details via quote form.

What is the R1 EDU Pro C price?

Estimated $25,000-$32,000 USD. Pro C has 38 DOF with 5-finger BrainCo Revo 2 hands (no tactile). Compare Pro D ($28-35K, adds tactile) or Pro A/B ($20-28K, 3-finger). Request exact pricing via quote form.

3-finger vs 5-finger hands?

3-finger (Dex3-1): 7 DOF/hand, simpler, 80-90% of use cases, lower cost. 5-finger (BrainCo Revo 2): 6 DOF/hand, human grasp taxonomies, tool use, HRI. Choose 3-finger unless you need human-like grasping.

Can I buy directly from Unitree?

Consumer models only. shop.unitree.com sells R1 Air ($4,900) and Basic ($5,900) but is currently backordered — new orders ship Q3 2026. For faster delivery, use authorized dealers like K-Robotics or ToborLife. For EDU variants, contact sales_global@unitree.cc or use our dealer matching form.

What warranty coverage?

Basic/Air: 8 months. EDU: 12 months. Covers manufacturing defects. Excludes user damage, modifications, accidents.

Special facilities needed?

Recommended: Flat floor, 3m×3m clear space, WiFi 6, dedicated charging station, safety padding for testing. The 25-29kg weight is manageable for most labs.

What happens after warranty?

Options: extended warranties, pay-per-service, replacement parts, self-repair. Budget $500-$1,500/year maintenance. Components $200-$800, complex assemblies $1,000-$3,000.

The R1's Role in Democratizing Humanoid Robotics

The Unitree R1 represents a significant shift in robotics accessibility. Now shipping with 11+ variants from $4,290 (dual-arm) to $35,000 (EDU Pro), Unitree has created the broadest affordable humanoid lineup on the market.

As recognized by TIME Magazine's Best Inventions of 2025, the R1's innovation is making humanoid research accessible to thousands of labs and developers — not just elite institutions with corporate partnerships. With Unitree's IPO filing showing 335% revenue growth and 5,500+ humanoid units shipped in 2025, the company behind the R1 is the only profitable humanoid robotics firm globally.

Who Should Consider the R1?

✅ Good Fit:

University robotics programs
HRI and AI research labs
Multi-robot research (swarms)
Hobbyists and content creators
Developers and startups
Budget-constrained institutions

⚠ Consider Alternatives:

2+ hour runtime → G1 or H1
Heavy payload → H1 or H2
Maximum DOF (43) → G1
K-12 education → Noetix Bumi
Home use → 1X NEO

With R1 units now shipping and the dual-arm platform expanding the lineup further, labs that order now will be operational by Fall 2026.

Ready to Get Your R1?

R1 is shipping now. Tell us what you need and we'll match you with the best dealer.

Get Free R1 Procurement Brief →

Sources: Unitree Robotics (unitree.com/R1, shop.unitree.com), TIME Best Inventions 2025, The Robot Report, 1X Technologies, K-Robotics, ToborLife, RobotShop, AliExpress.

Last Updated: June 2026 | Status: Shipping — units delivering to customers

R1 Delivery Status — June 2026

R1 began shipping in April 2026. Here's the current delivery status across all major channels.

K-Robotics

Shipping Now

Education PO program available

ToborLife

Shipping Now

Mountain View CA showroom

Unitree Direct

Backordered

New orders ship Q3 2026

AliExpress

Available

Global shipping; ~$4,370+

✅ R1 is shipping now. For fastest delivery, order through authorized dealers like K-Robotics or ToborLife.

BotInfo Insider Insights

Intelligence gathered from dealer contacts and industry sources. Not available on Unitree's official pages.

🔍 Material & Build

Lighter Composite Construction

Per dealer contacts, the R1 uses lighter composite and plastic materials compared to the G1's metal frame. This explains the 10kg weight difference (25kg vs 35kg) and contributes to the R1's superior agility and lower price point. The tradeoff: less structural rigidity than the G1 for heavy manipulation tasks.

🏃 Design Philosophy

"Born for Sport" — Agility Over Payload

Unitree positions the R1 as "Born for Sport" — prioritizing dynamic movement, speed (9 km/h, tested up to 10 m/s peak), and acrobatic capabilities over heavy payload capacity. Ideal for locomotion research, HRI studies, and multi-robot coordination.

🤖 Dual-Arm Expansion

New R1-A5/A7 Modular Platform

Launched April 2026, the R1 dual-arm variants (A5, A7, A5-D, A7-D) share R1 electronics but replace bipedal legs with fixed or wheeled bases. Starting at $4,290, these are the lowest-cost entry point into the Unitree R1 ecosystem — ideal for tabletop manipulation research.

R1 Battery Life: What to Expect

The R1's ~1 hour battery is its main limitation versus the G1. Here's how to plan around it.

Runtime

~1 hour per charge (bipedal). ~1.5 hours (wheeled dual-arm). Actual runtime varies by activity — walking uses less power than running or manipulation. Budget 45 minutes of active research per battery.

Hot-Swappable

Batteries can be replaced without powering down. With 2-3 spare batteries (~$500-600 each), you can maintain continuous operation through a research session.

Comparison

G1: ~2 hours. H1: 2+ hours. 1X NEO: ~2-4 hours. If 2+ hour continuous runtime is critical, consider the G1 or budget for 3+ spare R1 batteries ($1,500-1,800 total).

R1 for University Robotics Labs

The R1 EDU was designed specifically for the academic research market. Now shipping, it's ready for Fall 2026 deployment.

💰 Budget-Friendly

At $15-19K (EDU Smart), the R1 fits within most departmental equipment budgets. For tabletop manipulation, the R1-A5 dual-arm starts at just $4,290. A single G1 EDU costs $44K+ — the price of 2-3 R1 EDU Smarts.

🔬 Research-Ready

Full ROS 2 support, 100 TOPS NVIDIA Jetson, Python/C++ SDK. Compatible with Gazebo, Isaac Sim, and existing lab infrastructure.

👥 Multi-Robot Ready

At $15-19K per unit, labs can deploy 2-4 R1s for swarm research, multi-agent coordination, and collaborative task studies.

📅 Fall 2026 Ready

Order now through K-Robotics for summer delivery → 4-6 week setup → operational by September. Perfect for Fall 2026 semester.

Request Institutional Quote →

How to Buy: Step-by-Step

Two paths depending on your buyer type. R1 is shipping now.

🛒 Individual / Small Team

Step 1: Choose your variant (Basic for hobby, EDU Smart for research, R1-A5 for manipulation)

Step 2: Submit the form — we'll recommend the best dealer for your needs

Step 3: Place order through your matched dealer

Step 4: Receive delivery (authorized dealers shipping now)

Get Matched with a Dealer →

🏛 University / Institution

Step 1: Request free procurement brief (we recommend variant + dealer)

Step 2: Receive formal quote, sole-source letter, and grant documentation

Step 3: Submit PO through your procurement office

Step 4: We coordinate with K-Robotics or ToborLife for delivery

Get Free Procurement Brief →

Unitree R1 Price & Specs 2026 | $4,900-$35K | Ships April

📍 Unitree R1 — Shipping Now | June 2026

✅ Shipping Now — Units Delivering

Buy Unitree R1 Humanoid Robot

The most affordable humanoid robot you can buy. 11+ variants from $4,290-$35,000. Compare dealers, get quotes, or order through verified partners.

$4,290+

Starting

121cm

Height

25kg

Weight

100 TOPS

AI Power

Now

Shipping

🆕 What's New — April–June 2026

R1 Shipping

Phased deliveries began April 2026. Unitree Direct new orders ship June 2026.

New Dual-Arm Platform

R1-A5, R1-A7, R1-A5-D, R1-A7-D launched April 2026. Fixed or wheeled base, from $4,290.

AliExpress Global

R1 now available on AliExpress — North America, Europe, Japan, Singapore.

Unitree IPO Filing

¥4.2B STAR Market IPO accepted. 335% revenue growth in 2025. 5,500+ humanoids shipped.

📊 BotInfo Analyst Note

The R1 Ecosystem Is Expanding Fast

— BotInfo.ai Research Team, June 2026

📍 Quick Navigation

Get Your R1 R1 vs All Humanoids Basic vs EDU New: Dual-Arm R1 Specifications Support

Get Your R1 — Tell Us What You Need

Whether you're a researcher, educator, developer, or hobbyist — we'll match you with the right R1 variant and the best dealer for your needs. Ships to USA, Canada, Mexico & international.

📋 Free R1 Procurement Brief

Variant recommendation, dealer pricing comparison, and institutional documentation. R1 is shipping now.

✓ Variant recommendation

✓ Dealer pricing comparison

✓ PO / grant documentation

✓ Direct dealer intro

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Organization

Buyer Type *

Budget *

Timeline *

Variant

✓ 24-hour response | ✓ No obligation | ✓ We match you with the best dealer

Authorized R1 dealers we work with:

K-Robotics (education PO program, academic pricing) · ToborLife (Mountain View CA showroom) · Unitree Direct (shop.unitree.com) · AliExpress · RobotShop

New: R1 Dual-Arm Modular Platform

Model	Base	Arm DOF	Total DOF	Weight	Est. Price
R1-A5	Fixed	5×2	15-21	~11-13 kg	From $4,290
R1-A7	Fixed	7×2	19-31	~11-13 kg	TBD
R1-A5-D	Wheeled	5×2	15-21	~30-32 kg	TBD
R1-A7-D	Wheeled	7×2	19-31	~30-32 kg	TBD

Get Dual-Arm R1 Pricing →

Humanoid Robot Comparison 2026: Which Can You Actually Buy?

Most humanoid robots in headlines aren't available for purchase. Here's what you can actually buy — with real prices, real availability, and real capabilities. Updated June 2026.

Robot	Price	Computing	DOF	Can You Buy It?	Best For
Unitree R1 This page	$4,290-$35K	✅ 100 TOPS	15-40	✅ Shipping Now	Budget research, hobbyists, creators
Unitree G1	$16K-$74K	100 TOPS	23-43	✅ Shipping Now	Advanced research, manipulation
1X NEO	$20,000 / $499/mo	Custom AI	22 (hands)	✅ Pre-order	Home use, consumer
Tesla Optimus	$20-30K target	FSD chip	28+	❌ Not for sale	Manufacturing (internal)
Figure 03	Not disclosed	TBD	TBD	❌ Enterprise pilots only	Logistics (B2B)
Booster T1	~$10K	TBD	36	⏳ 2026	Industrial, commercial

💡 Verdict: The Unitree R1 is the most affordable humanoid with ROS 2 support that you can actually buy and receive today. Tesla Optimus and Figure robots are not available to the public.

🔍 R1 vs G1: Quick Decision Guide

✅ Choose R1 if:

Budget under $35K
Multi-robot fleet research
Hobbyist or content creator
Prioritize computing power (100 TOPS)

✅ Choose G1 if:

Need maximum DOF (43)
Require 2+ hour battery
Advanced manipulation research
Budget $45K+

Full G1 buying guide → · R1 vs G1 comparison → · Compare all humanoids →

See the R1 in Action

Official demo: running at 9 km/h, cartwheels, handstands, and balance recovery.

R1 dynamic mobility — cartwheels, running, balance recovery

⚠ Critical: R1 Basic vs R1 EDU

The Basic model does NOT support programming. This is the most important distinction.

⚡ Key Point: R1 Basic ($5,900) is remote-controlled only — NO ROS 2, NO Python, NO SDK. For research or development, choose R1 EDU ($10,000+).

Capability	R1 Air / Basic	R1 EDU Variants
Price	$4,900 - $8,990	$10,000 - $35,000
Programming	❌ Not supported	✅ Full SDK
ROS 2	❌ No	✅ Yes
Computing	8-core CPU	40-100 TOPS Jetson
Warranty	8 months	12 months

R1 Technical Architecture

R1 component layout and joint distribution

✅ June 2026 Availability Status

Status: Shipping — deliveries began April 2026

Unitree Direct: New orders ship June 2026

K-Robotics: Fulfilling orders now

AliExpress: Available globally

R1 Specifications Summary

Height	121-123 cm (bipedal) / up to 132cm (wheeled)
Weight	25-29 kg (bipedal) / 30-32 kg (wheeled dual-arm)
DOF	15-40 (varies by model)
Battery	~1 hour bipedal / ~1.5 hours wheeled (hot-swappable)
Speed	Up to 9 km/h (bipedal tested at 10 m/s peak)
Computing	8-core CPU base, optional NVIDIA Jetson Orin (40-100 TOPS)
SDK	ROS 2, Python, C++ (EDU only)
Price	$4,290 - $35,000 USD
Status	Shipping Now

Last verified: June 2026

🔧 Post-Purchase Support

BotInfo.ai coordinates between buyers and dealers for setup and support.

📦 Setup Guidance

Deployment assistance

🔗 ROS 2 Integration

Workflow connection

📋 Variant Selection

Match to your goals

🤝 Dealer Routing

Best dealer for your needs

Explore the Full Unitree Catalog

Compare all Unitree models — humanoids, robot dogs, and industrial platforms — with dealer pricing.

G1 Humanoid from $16,000 Go2 Robot Dog from $2,590 H1/H2 Industrial from $29,900

View Full Catalog →

R1 vs G1: Which Unitree Humanoid Is Right for You?

Both the R1 and G1 are shipping now. Understanding the tradeoffs helps you invest wisely.

Specification	R1 EDU Smart	G1 EDU Standard	Advantage
Price (EDU)	$15,000 - $19,000	$43,900 - $73,900	R1 (58-74% cheaper)
Height	121cm (4 ft)	127-132cm (4.2-4.3 ft)	Similar
Weight	25-29kg	35-47kg	R1 (lighter)
DOF Range	24-40	23-43	Similar
Computing	Up to 100 TOPS	Up to 100 TOPS	Comparable
Battery Life	~1 hour	~2 hours	G1 (2x runtime)
Availability	Shipping now	Shipping now	Both available
Walking Speed	Up to 9 km/h	Up to 7.4 km/h	R1 (faster)
Head Articulation	2-DOF pan/tilt (Smart+)	Fixed head	R1 (active gaze)
Units Deployed	Early shipments	5,500+ globally	G1 (proven)

Choose R1 If:

Budget is primary constraint (58-74% cheaper)
Need articulated head for HRI/gaze tracking
Lighter weight matters for safety/transport
Multi-robot deployment planned (3 R1s = 1 G1 price)
Hobbyist, content creator, or smaller lab

Get R1 Quote →

Choose G1 If:

2-hour battery is essential
Maximum DOF (43) for manipulation research
5,500+ units deployed — proven platform
Budget is less constrained ($45K+)
Need maximum structural rigidity

View G1 Guide →

Read the full R1 vs G1 side-by-side comparison →

R1 vs Other Humanoid Platforms: What Can You Actually Buy?

Many humanoid robots in headlines aren't available for purchase. Here's an honest look at what's on the market as of mid-2026.

Robot	Price	Availability	Target Market	Open Dev
Unitree R1	$4,290-$35K	✅ Shipping now	Education, Research, Hobbyist	✅ ROS 2
Unitree G1	$16K-$74K	✅ Shipping now	Research	✅ ROS 2
1X NEO	$20K / $499/mo	✅ Shipping	Consumer / Home	❌ Closed
Booster T1	~$10K	⏳ 2026	Commercial	Limited
Tesla Optimus	$20-30K target	❌ Not public	Manufacturing	❌ Proprietary
Figure 03	Not disclosed	❌ Enterprise only	Logistics	❌ Proprietary
Fourier GR-2	$150K+	⏳ Enterprise	Healthcare	Limited

Can I Buy Tesla Optimus Instead of R1?

No. As of mid-2026, Tesla Optimus is deployed internally at Tesla factories only. No consumer or institutional sales have been announced. The $20-30K price target is speculative.

If you need a humanoid for research, the Unitree R1 ($4,290-$35K) and G1 ($16-74K) are both shipping now with open development support.

R1 vs 1X NEO: Which Should I Choose?

3-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Beyond purchase price, what does it cost to operate a humanoid robot? Realistic TCO for grant budgets.

R1 EDU Smart

Robot Purchase$18,000

Spare Batteries (2x)$1,200

3-Year Maintenance$4,500

Shipping & Setup$800

3-Year TCO$24,500

Get R1 Quote →

G1 EDU Standard

Robot Purchase$43,900

Spare Batteries (2x)$2,000

3-Year Maintenance$7,500

Shipping & Setup$1,000

3-Year TCO$54,400

View G1 Options →

Multi-Robot Budget Advantage

The R1's lower cost enables multi-robot research impossible with higher-priced platforms.

Budget: $50,000

G1 EDU

Budget: $50,000

2-3

R1 EDU Smart

Research Enabled

Swarm coordination, multi-agent systems, collaborative tasks

Where to Purchase: Authorized Dealers

R1 is shipping now — here's where to place your order.

Dealer	Models	Pricing	Delivery	Notes
K-Robotics	Basic, EDU	Full price $8,990+	Shipping now	Education PO program, academic pricing — get quote
ToborLife	All variants	Deposits or full	Shipping now	Mountain View CA showroom
Unitree Direct	Air, Basic	$4,900 - $5,900	Q3 2026	Consumer only; buyer handles customs
AliExpress	Air, Basic	~$4,370+	Varies	Global shipping; multiple sellers
RobotShop	Basic, EDU	Listed pricing	Q2-Q3 2026	International shipping

Ready to order?

Get Matched with a Dealer →

We compare dealers and find the best option for you

Need institutional support?

Get Free Procurement Brief →

PO documentation, grant-ready quotes

Institutional Procurement Timeline

Order now for Fall 2026 deployment.

✓

April 2026: R1 Began Shipping ✓

First R1 units delivered. Phased rollout began through authorized dealers.

NOW

June 2026: Order Now for Summer Delivery

Place orders through authorized dealers for fastest delivery. Submit institutional POs. Request procurement briefs. Ideal window for Fall 2026 semester setup.

JUL

July-August 2026: Setup & Integration

Receive delivery, unbox, SDK installation, ROS 2 workspace configuration, operator training, lab system integration.

FALL

Fall 2026: Full Research Operations

Robot fully integrated into curriculum or research. Student access, data collection, publication-ready experiments.

⏰ Academic Planning — June 2026

Fall 2026 Semester:

Order now. Summer delivery + 4-6 week setup = ready by September.

Spring 2027 Semester:

Order by October 2026.

Grant Proposals:

Start 8-12 months ahead. We provide grant-ready docs.

Need Help Navigating R1 Procurement?

Free procurement briefs with variant recommendations, dealer comparisons, and documentation templates.

Get Your Free Procurement Brief →

Explore the Full Unitree Catalog

Compare all Unitree models — humanoids, robot dogs, and industrial platforms — with dealer pricing.

G1 Humanoid from $16,000 Go2 Robot Dog from $2,590 H1/H2 Industrial from $29,900

View All Models & Dealer Pricing →

Frequently Asked Questions

Comprehensive answers about purchasing, specifications, delivery, and support for the Unitree R1. Updated June 2026.

Is the R1 shipping now?

Can I program the R1 Basic?

Does the R1 EDU support ROS 2?

Yes. All R1 EDU variants include full ROS 2 support, Python and C++ interfaces on NVIDIA Jetson Orin. Unitree provides SDK documentation and example code.

What's the difference between 40 TOPS and 100 TOPS?

Which R1 variant should I choose?

Quick guide:

Demonstrations/hobby: R1 Basic ($5,900) — no programming needed
Manipulation only: R1-A5 dual-arm ($4,290) — fixed base, 5-DOF arms
Locomotion research: EDU Standard ($10-12K) — 40 TOPS
AI/ML and HRI: EDU Smart ($15-19K) — 100 TOPS + articulated head
Manipulation: EDU Pro B ($22-28K) — 3-finger tactile
Advanced manipulation: EDU Pro D ($28-35K) — 5-finger tactile

Most university programs choose EDU Smart for best capability-to-cost ratio.

What's the battery life?

How does R1 compare to Unitree G1?

Key tradeoffs:

Price: R1 $15-19K vs G1 $44-74K (58-74% cheaper)
Computing: Both up to 100 TOPS
Battery: R1 ~1hr vs G1 ~2hr
Availability: Both shipping now
Weight: R1 25-29kg vs G1 35-47kg
Track record: G1 has 5,500+ units deployed

R1 for budget + lighter weight. G1 for proven reliability + longer runtime.

Can I upgrade hands later?

Is Tesla Optimus available to purchase?

What about the 1X NEO robot?

1X NEO ($20,000 or $499/mo) is a consumer home robot. It has no SDK, no ROS 2, no open development. For a development platform, choose R1 EDU.

What are the new R1 dual-arm models?

What safety features does R1 include?

Hardware: Emergency stop, joint torque limiting, collision detection, thermal protection. Software: Virtual safety zones, speed limiting, watchdog timers, permission systems.

What's included with purchase?

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Varies by dealer. K-Robotics and ToborLife have different cancellation policies. Confirm terms in writing before placing any order. Request details via quote form.

What is the R1 EDU Pro C price?

3-finger vs 5-finger hands?

Can I buy directly from Unitree?

What warranty coverage?

Basic/Air: 8 months. EDU: 12 months. Covers manufacturing defects. Excludes user damage, modifications, accidents.

Special facilities needed?

Recommended: Flat floor, 3m×3m clear space, WiFi 6, dedicated charging station, safety padding for testing. The 25-29kg weight is manageable for most labs.

What happens after warranty?

Options: extended warranties, pay-per-service, replacement parts, self-repair. Budget $500-$1,500/year maintenance. Components $200-$800, complex assemblies $1,000-$3,000.

The R1's Role in Democratizing Humanoid Robotics

Who Should Consider the R1?

✅ Good Fit:

University robotics programs
HRI and AI research labs
Multi-robot research (swarms)
Hobbyists and content creators
Developers and startups
Budget-constrained institutions

⚠ Consider Alternatives:

2+ hour runtime → G1 or H1
Heavy payload → H1 or H2
Maximum DOF (43) → G1
K-12 education → Noetix Bumi
Home use → 1X NEO

With R1 units now shipping and the dual-arm platform expanding the lineup further, labs that order now will be operational by Fall 2026.

Ready to Get Your R1?

R1 is shipping now. Tell us what you need and we'll match you with the best dealer.

Get Free R1 Procurement Brief →

Sources: Unitree Robotics (unitree.com/R1, shop.unitree.com), TIME Best Inventions 2025, The Robot Report, 1X Technologies, K-Robotics, ToborLife, RobotShop, AliExpress.

Last Updated: June 2026 | Status: Shipping — units delivering to customers

R1 Delivery Status — June 2026

R1 began shipping in April 2026. Here's the current delivery status across all major channels.

K-Robotics

Shipping Now

Education PO program available

ToborLife

Shipping Now

Mountain View CA showroom

Unitree Direct

Backordered

New orders ship Q3 2026

AliExpress

Available

Global shipping; ~$4,370+

✅ R1 is shipping now. For fastest delivery, order through authorized dealers like K-Robotics or ToborLife.

BotInfo Insider Insights

Intelligence gathered from dealer contacts and industry sources. Not available on Unitree's official pages.

🔍 Material & Build

Lighter Composite Construction

🏃 Design Philosophy

"Born for Sport" — Agility Over Payload

🤖 Dual-Arm Expansion

New R1-A5/A7 Modular Platform

R1 Battery Life: What to Expect

The R1's ~1 hour battery is its main limitation versus the G1. Here's how to plan around it.

Runtime

Hot-Swappable

Batteries can be replaced without powering down. With 2-3 spare batteries (~$500-600 each), you can maintain continuous operation through a research session.

Comparison

G1: ~2 hours. H1: 2+ hours. 1X NEO: ~2-4 hours. If 2+ hour continuous runtime is critical, consider the G1 or budget for 3+ spare R1 batteries ($1,500-1,800 total).

R1 for University Robotics Labs

The R1 EDU was designed specifically for the academic research market. Now shipping, it's ready for Fall 2026 deployment.

💰 Budget-Friendly

🔬 Research-Ready

Full ROS 2 support, 100 TOPS NVIDIA Jetson, Python/C++ SDK. Compatible with Gazebo, Isaac Sim, and existing lab infrastructure.

👥 Multi-Robot Ready

At $15-19K per unit, labs can deploy 2-4 R1s for swarm research, multi-agent coordination, and collaborative task studies.

📅 Fall 2026 Ready

Order now through K-Robotics for summer delivery → 4-6 week setup → operational by September. Perfect for Fall 2026 semester.

Request Institutional Quote →

How to Buy: Step-by-Step

Two paths depending on your buyer type. R1 is shipping now.

🛒 Individual / Small Team

Step 1: Choose your variant (Basic for hobby, EDU Smart for research, R1-A5 for manipulation)

Step 2: Submit the form — we'll recommend the best dealer for your needs

Step 3: Place order through your matched dealer

Step 4: Receive delivery (authorized dealers shipping now)

Get Matched with a Dealer →

🏛 University / Institution

Step 1: Request free procurement brief (we recommend variant + dealer)

Step 2: Receive formal quote, sole-source letter, and grant documentation

Step 3: Submit PO through your procurement office

Step 4: We coordinate with K-Robotics or ToborLife for delivery

Get Free Procurement Brief →

Unitree R1 Price & Specs 2026 | $4,900-$35K | Ships April

📍 Unitree R1 — Shipping Now | June 2026

Buy Unitree R1 Humanoid Robot

The R1 Ecosystem Is Expanding Fast

Get Your R1 — Tell Us What You Need

📋 Free R1 Procurement Brief

New: R1 Dual-Arm Modular Platform

Humanoid Robot Comparison 2026: Which Can You Actually Buy?

🔍 R1 vs G1: Quick Decision Guide

See the R1 in Action

⚠ Critical: R1 Basic vs R1 EDU

R1 Technical Architecture

✅ June 2026 Availability Status

R1 Specifications Summary

🔧 Post-Purchase Support

Explore the Full Unitree Catalog

R1 vs G1: Which Unitree Humanoid Is Right for You?

Choose R1 If:

Choose G1 If:

R1 vs Other Humanoid Platforms: What Can You Actually Buy?

Can I Buy Tesla Optimus Instead of R1?

R1 vs 1X NEO: Which Should I Choose?

3-Year Total Cost of Ownership

R1 EDU Smart

G1 EDU Standard

Multi-Robot Budget Advantage

Where to Purchase: Authorized Dealers

Institutional Procurement Timeline

April 2026: R1 Began Shipping ✓

June 2026: Order Now for Summer Delivery

July-August 2026: Setup & Integration

Fall 2026: Full Research Operations

⏰ Academic Planning — June 2026

Need Help Navigating R1 Procurement?

Explore the Full Unitree Catalog

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the R1 shipping now?

Can I program the R1 Basic?

Does the R1 EDU support ROS 2?

What's the difference between 40 TOPS and 100 TOPS?

Which R1 variant should I choose?

What's the battery life?

How does R1 compare to Unitree G1?

Can I upgrade hands later?

Is Tesla Optimus available to purchase?

What about the 1X NEO robot?

What are the new R1 dual-arm models?

What safety features does R1 include?

What's included with purchase?

Can I cancel and get a refund?

What is the R1 EDU Pro C price?

3-finger vs 5-finger hands?

Can I buy directly from Unitree?

What warranty coverage?

Special facilities needed?

What happens after warranty?

The R1's Role in Democratizing Humanoid Robotics

Who Should Consider the R1?

✅ Good Fit:

⚠ Consider Alternatives:

Ready to Get Your R1?

R1 Delivery Status — June 2026

BotInfo Insider Insights

Lighter Composite Construction

"Born for Sport" — Agility Over Payload

New R1-A5/A7 Modular Platform

R1 Battery Life: What to Expect

Runtime

Hot-Swappable

Comparison

R1 for University Robotics Labs

💰 Budget-Friendly

🔬 Research-Ready

👥 Multi-Robot Ready

📅 Fall 2026 Ready

How to Buy: Step-by-Step

🛒 Individual / Small Team

🏛 University / Institution

More Questions About the R1

What is the Unitree R1 price in 2026?