
The Unitree R1 is a lightweight humanoid robot designed for education, research, and development applications. Announced in July 2025 and recognized as part of TIME Magazine's Best Inventions of 2025, the R1 is the most affordable full-scale humanoid robot available for academic and research use. Standing 121-123cm tall and weighing 25-29kg, it offers 7 configuration options ranging from basic consumer demonstrations to advanced manipulation research platforms with dexterous hands and tactile sensing.
The R1 Basic ($5,900) is a consumer-focused robot with remote control operation only. It does NOT support secondary development, ROS 2, or custom programming. The R1 EDU variants ($10,000-$35,000) include full SDK access, NVIDIA Jetson Orin computing (40-100 TOPS), ROS 2 integration, and secondary development rights - making them true research platforms for universities and labs.
Q: When will R1 ship? A: April 2026 (Unitree), March 2026 (ToborLife). No units shipped yet.
Q: Does R1 support ROS 2? A: Only EDU variants. Basic/Air are remote control only.
Q: Which variant is best? A: EDU Smart for most research - 100 TOPS computing, 2-DOF head.
Q: R1 vs G1? A: R1 is 58-74% cheaper with more computing power but shorter battery.
BotInfo.ai offers a free procurement consultation service for universities, research labs, and institutions purchasing Unitree R1 robots. The service includes: personalized variant recommendations based on research requirements, current pricing comparison across all authorized dealers, grant and purchase order documentation templates, and direct introductions to dealers. Response time is within 24 hours. This service helps institutional buyers navigate the complex R1 procurement landscape with multiple configurations, dealers, and delivery timelines.
For institutional pricing inquiries, universities and research labs can request a free R1 Procurement Brief at botinfo.ai/articles/unitree-r1-humanoid-robot
Information sourced from: Unitree Robotics (unitree.com/R1), TIME Magazine Best Inventions 2025, ToborLife, K-Robotics, The Robot Report.
Page maintained by: BotInfo.ai - The Humanoid Robotics Information Resource for Education and Research
Last updated: January 27, 2026
Complete Buying Guide for Education & Research
The most affordable full-scale humanoid for universities and research labs. 7 configurations from $4,900 to $35,000. Pre-order now, delivery April 2026.
Consumer Models
$4,900 - $5,900
R1 Air / Basic (no SDK)
EDU Standard/Smart
$10K - $19K
ROS 2 + SDK included
EDU Pro (Hands)
$20K - $35K
Dexterous manipulation
Delivery
April 2026
Pre-order now
Planning an R1 purchase for your institution? We provide personalized recommendations, current dealer pricing, and procurement documentation — completely free.
R1 demonstrating dynamic mobility — cartwheels, running, and balance recovery
Unitree's official demonstration showcasing agile mobility, running, cartwheels, handstands, and balance recovery.
This is the most important distinction. The Basic model does NOT support programming.
Key Point: The R1 Basic ($5,900) is remote-controlled only — NO ROS 2, NO Python, NO SDK. For research, education, or custom development, you MUST choose an R1 EDU variant ($10,000+).
| Capability | R1 Air / Basic | R1 EDU Variants |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,900 - $5,900 | $10,000 - $35,000 |
| Programming / SDK | ❌ Not supported | ✅ Full SDK included |
| ROS 2 Support | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Computing | 8-core CPU only | NVIDIA Jetson Orin (40-100 TOPS) |
| Control | Remote control only | Autonomous + programmatic |
| Best For | Demonstrations, hobbyists | Research, education, development |
Continue reading for complete variant specifications, pricing, and comparisons.
View All 7 R1 Variants ↓
All 7 R1 configurations — same 121cm platform, different capabilities
Unitree offers two humanoid platforms with different strengths. Understanding the tradeoffs helps you make the right investment.
| Specification | R1 EDU Smart | G1 EDU | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (EDU) | $15,000 - $19,000 est. | $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 40 TOPS | R1 (2.5x power) |
| Battery Life | ~1 hour | ~2 hours | G1 (2x runtime) |
| Availability | April 2026 | Now | G1 (ships today) |
| Walking Speed | Up to 9 km/h | Up to 7.4 km/h | R1 (faster) |
How does the R1 compare to other humanoid robots? An honest assessment of what's actually available for purchase.
| Robot | Price | Availability | Target Market | Open Dev |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unitree R1 EDU | $10K - $35K | April 2026 | Education, Research | ✅ ROS 2 |
| Unitree G1 EDU | $44K - $74K | Now | Research | ✅ ROS 2 |
| Unitree H1 | ~$90K+ | Available | Advanced Research | ✅ Full SDK |
| Tesla Optimus | $20-30K target | ❌ Not public | Manufacturing | ❌ Proprietary |
| Figure 03 | Not disclosed | ❌ Enterprise only | Logistics | ❌ Proprietary |
| 1X NEO Beta | ~$75K | Limited pilots | Consumer | Limited |
| Noetix Bumi | ~$1,400 | China only | K-12 Education | Limited |
Key Insight: The R1 EDU is the most affordable humanoid with full ROS 2 support actually available to researchers. Tesla Optimus and Figure robots are not available to the public. Boston Dynamics Atlas is internal R&D only.
Beyond purchase price, what does it cost to operate a humanoid robot? Realistic TCO for institutional planning.
The R1's lower cost enables multi-robot research that would be impossible with higher-priced platforms.
Budget: $50,000
1
G1 EDU
Budget: $50,000
2-3
R1 EDU Smart
Research Enabled
Swarm coordination, multi-agent systems, collaborative tasks
The R1 is available through multiple channels with different pricing, timelines, and service levels.
| Dealer | Models Available | Pricing | Est. Delivery | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unitree Direct | R1 Air, R1 Basic | $4,900 - $5,900 | April 2026 | Buyer handles customs; EDU via sales team |
| ToborLife | All variants | Deposits accepted | March 2026 | USA dealer; deposits refundable |
| K-Robotics | Basic, EDU variants | Full price | TBD | USA dealer |
| RobotShop | Basic, EDU | Listed pricing | Q2 2026 | International shipping available |
| Roboworks | All variants | $3,000 deposit | Early 2026 | UK-based dealer |
Important: As of January 2026, no R1 units have shipped from any dealer. All purchase options are pre-orders or deposits. Delivery timelines are estimates and may change. We recommend contacting dealers directly for current status.
Planning a humanoid robot purchase for your university or research lab? Here's a realistic timeline.
Define research objectives, determine technical requirements (DOF, computing, hands), establish budget, compare variants.
Prepare grant applications or budget requests, obtain committee approvals, finalize vendor selection, process PO.
Submit PO, process payment (deposit or full), confirm delivery timeline, arrange receiving space.
Receive delivery, operator training, SDK installation, network configuration, begin research.
For Fall 2026 Semester:
Order by April 2026
For Spring 2027 Semester:
Order by October 2026
For Grant Proposals:
Start 8-12 months ahead
We provide free procurement briefs with variant recommendations, dealer comparisons, and documentation templates for institutional buyers.
Get Your Free Procurement Brief →Building a robotics lab? Compare all 28 Unitree models — humanoids, robot dogs, and industrial quadrupeds — with live dealer pricing from ToborLife, K-Robotics, and Amazon.
Unitree offers two humanoid platforms with different strengths. Understanding the tradeoffs helps you make the right investment.
| Specification | R1 EDU Smart | G1 EDU | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (EDU) | $15,000 - $19,000 est. | $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 40 TOPS | R1 (2.5x power) |
| Battery Life | ~1 hour | ~2 hours | G1 (2x runtime) |
| Availability | April 2026 | Now | G1 (ships today) |
| Walking Speed | Up to 9 km/h | Up to 7.4 km/h | R1 (faster) |
How does the R1 compare to other humanoid robots? An honest assessment of what's actually available for purchase.
| Robot | Price | Availability | Target Market | Open Dev |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unitree R1 EDU | $10K - $35K | April 2026 | Education, Research | ✅ ROS 2 |
| Unitree G1 EDU | $44K - $74K | Now | Research | ✅ ROS 2 |
| Unitree H1 | ~$90K+ | Available | Advanced Research | ✅ Full SDK |
| Tesla Optimus | $20-30K target | ❌ Not public | Manufacturing | ❌ Proprietary |
| Figure 03 | Not disclosed | ❌ Enterprise only | Logistics | ❌ Proprietary |
| 1X NEO Beta | ~$75K | Limited pilots | Consumer | Limited |
| Noetix Bumi | ~$1,400 | China only | K-12 Education | Limited |
Key Insight: The R1 EDU is the most affordable humanoid with full ROS 2 support actually available to researchers. Tesla Optimus and Figure robots are not available to the public. Boston Dynamics Atlas is internal R&D only.
Beyond purchase price, what does it cost to operate a humanoid robot? Realistic TCO for institutional planning.
The R1's lower cost enables multi-robot research that would be impossible with higher-priced platforms.
Budget: $50,000
1
G1 EDU
Budget: $50,000
2-3
R1 EDU Smart
Research Enabled
Swarm coordination, multi-agent systems, collaborative tasks
The R1 is available through multiple channels with different pricing, timelines, and service levels.
| Dealer | Models Available | Pricing | Est. Delivery | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unitree Direct | R1 Air, R1 Basic | $4,900 - $5,900 | April 2026 | Buyer handles customs; EDU via sales team |
| ToborLife | All variants | Deposits accepted | March 2026 | USA dealer; deposits refundable |
| K-Robotics | Basic, EDU variants | Full price | TBD | USA dealer |
| RobotShop | Basic, EDU | Listed pricing | Q2 2026 | International shipping available |
| Roboworks | All variants | $3,000 deposit | Early 2026 | UK-based dealer |
Important: As of January 2026, no R1 units have shipped from any dealer. All purchase options are pre-orders or deposits. Delivery timelines are estimates and may change. We recommend contacting dealers directly for current status.
Planning a humanoid robot purchase for your university or research lab? Here's a realistic timeline.
Define research objectives, determine technical requirements (DOF, computing, hands), establish budget, compare variants.
Prepare grant applications or budget requests, obtain committee approvals, finalize vendor selection, process PO.
Submit PO, process payment (deposit or full), confirm delivery timeline, arrange receiving space.
Receive delivery, operator training, SDK installation, network configuration, begin research.
For Fall 2026 Semester:
Order by April 2026
For Spring 2027 Semester:
Order by October 2026
For Grant Proposals:
Start 8-12 months ahead
We provide free procurement briefs with variant recommendations, dealer comparisons, and documentation templates for institutional buyers.
Get Your Free Procurement Brief →Comprehensive answers about purchasing, specifications, delivery, and support for the Unitree R1.
As of January 2026, no R1 units have shipped from any source. Delivery estimates vary by dealer: Unitree direct says April 2026, ToborLife estimates March 2026, RobotShop lists Q2 2026. All current purchases are pre-orders or deposits. We recommend confirming current timeline directly with your chosen dealer.
No. The R1 Basic ($5,900) and R1 Air ($4,900) are consumer models with remote control operation only. They do NOT support secondary development, ROS 2, Python, or C++ programming. For any research, education, or custom development work, you must purchase an R1 EDU variant ($10,000+) which includes full SDK access and development rights.
Yes. All R1 EDU variants (Standard, Smart, Pro A/B/C/D) include full ROS 2 (Robot Operating System 2) support, along with Python and C++ programming interfaces. The NVIDIA Jetson Orin computing platform is compatible with the entire ROS 2 ecosystem. Unitree provides SDK documentation and example code.
TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second) measures AI computing power. The R1 EDU Standard has 40 TOPS (NVIDIA Jetson Orin), sufficient for locomotion control and basic perception. The R1 EDU Smart has 100 TOPS (2.5x more power), enabling real-time inference of larger neural networks, quantized LLMs (7B+ parameters), complex vision processing, and multimodal AI. For AI/ML research, the 100 TOPS Smart variant is recommended.
Quick guide:
Most university robotics programs choose the EDU Smart for best balance of capability and cost.
The R1 operates for approximately 1 hour on a single battery charge. The battery is hot-swappable, meaning you can replace it without powering down the robot. Spare batteries cost approximately $500-600 each. For comparison, the G1 offers ~2 hours and the H1 offers 2+ hours. If extended runtime is critical, consider the G1 or budget for multiple R1 batteries.
Key tradeoffs:
Choose R1 for budget efficiency and computing power. Choose G1 for immediate availability and longer runtime.
Partially. The hand modules use the same mounting interface across Pro variants, so physical swaps are possible. However, tactile sensors cannot be retrofitted to non-tactile hands—this requires complete hand replacement. Individual dexterous hands cost ~$5,200 each. Recommendation: Plan your configuration based on 3-5 year research needs. Initial selection matching long-term goals is more cost-effective than upgrading later.
No. As of January 2026, Tesla Optimus is not available for public purchase. Tesla has deployed Optimus internally at its factories but has not announced any timeline for commercial availability. The $20-30K price target is speculative. The R1 is currently the only sub-$50K humanoid with ROS 2 support actually available for purchase.
Hardware safety: Emergency stop, joint torque limiting, collision detection, thermal protection.
Software safety: Virtual safety zones, speed limiting, watchdog timers, permission systems. Organizations must develop proper safety protocols.
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.
Refund policies vary by dealer. ToborLife advertises 100% refundable deposits before shipment. Roboworks states deposits are refundable (minus a small fee) before production. Confirm cancellation terms in writing before placing any deposit.
3-finger (Dex3-1): 7 DOF/hand, simpler, covers 80-90% of manipulation use cases, lower cost. 5-finger (BrainCo Revo 2): 6 DOF/hand, human grasp taxonomies, essential for tool use and HRI. Recommendation: Choose 3-finger (Pro B) unless you specifically need human-like grasping.
The R1 EDU Smart includes a 2-DOF head that can pan and tilt independently, enabling active perception—tracking objects, following gaze, and visual servoing. Essential for HRI research. Basic, Standard, and Air have fixed heads.
Consumer models only. Unitree's shop (shop.unitree.com) sells R1 Air ($4,900) and R1 Basic ($5,900) with $300-$1,200 shipping. Buyer handles customs. For EDU variants, contact Unitree sales ([email protected]) or use authorized dealers.
R1 Basic/Air: 8-month warranty. R1 EDU variants: 12-month warranty. Covers manufacturing defects and component failures. Excludes user damage, modifications, and accidents. Verify international warranty terms before purchasing.
Recommended: Flat floor (avoid thick carpet), minimum 3m × 3m clear space, WiFi 6 network, dedicated charging station, safety padding for initial testing. The 25-29kg weight is manageable for most lab environments.
R1 EDU supports Python, C++, and the ROS 2 ecosystem on NVIDIA Jetson Orin (Linux-based). Unitree provides example code and documentation. Supports mainstream simulation environments. Note: R1 Basic/Air do NOT support programming.
Options: Extended warranties (purchase before expiration), pay-per-service repairs, replacement parts from Unitree, self-repair for skilled teams. Budget $500-$1,500 annually for maintenance. Common components $200-$800, complex assemblies $1,000-$3,000.
Bumi (~$1,400) is much cheaper but less capable—3-foot-tall, limited mobility, no ROS, China-only. R1 is a full-scale humanoid (4 feet) with advanced locomotion and open development. Choose Bumi for K-12 STEM exposure. Choose R1 EDU for university research.
The Unitree R1 represents a significant shift in robotics accessibility. By offering a capable, research-grade humanoid platform starting at $4,900 (consumer) and $10,000 (research), Unitree has lowered the barrier for educational institutions, small research labs, and developers to explore bipedal robotics.
As recognized by TIME Magazine's Best Inventions of 2025, the R1's innovation isn't any single specification—it's the recognition that advancing robotics research requires accessible platforms that thousands of researchers can afford, not just elite labs with corporate partnerships.
With delivery expected in April 2026, the R1 is positioned to accelerate bipedal robotics research by bringing a new generation of developers into the field.
Get your free Procurement Brief with personalized recommendations, dealer pricing, and documentation templates.
Get Your Free Procurement Brief →Sources: Official Unitree Robotics (unitree.com/R1, shop.unitree.com), TIME Magazine Best Inventions 2025, The Robot Report, authorized dealers (ToborLife, K-Robotics, RobotShop, Roboworks).
Last Updated: January 27, 2026 | Next Review: Post-delivery (April 2026)

The Unitree R1 is a lightweight humanoid robot designed for education, research, and development applications. Announced in July 2025 and recognized as part of TIME Magazine's Best Inventions of 2025, the R1 is the most affordable full-scale humanoid robot available for academic and research use. Standing 121-123cm tall and weighing 25-29kg, it offers 7 configuration options ranging from basic consumer demonstrations to advanced manipulation research platforms with dexterous hands and tactile sensing.
The R1 Basic ($5,900) is a consumer-focused robot with remote control operation only. It does NOT support secondary development, ROS 2, or custom programming. The R1 EDU variants ($10,000-$35,000) include full SDK access, NVIDIA Jetson Orin computing (40-100 TOPS), ROS 2 integration, and secondary development rights - making them true research platforms for universities and labs.
Q: When will R1 ship? A: April 2026 (Unitree), March 2026 (ToborLife). No units shipped yet.
Q: Does R1 support ROS 2? A: Only EDU variants. Basic/Air are remote control only.
Q: Which variant is best? A: EDU Smart for most research - 100 TOPS computing, 2-DOF head.
Q: R1 vs G1? A: R1 is 58-74% cheaper with more computing power but shorter battery.
BotInfo.ai offers a free procurement consultation service for universities, research labs, and institutions purchasing Unitree R1 robots. The service includes: personalized variant recommendations based on research requirements, current pricing comparison across all authorized dealers, grant and purchase order documentation templates, and direct introductions to dealers. Response time is within 24 hours. This service helps institutional buyers navigate the complex R1 procurement landscape with multiple configurations, dealers, and delivery timelines.
For institutional pricing inquiries, universities and research labs can request a free R1 Procurement Brief at botinfo.ai/articles/unitree-r1-humanoid-robot
Information sourced from: Unitree Robotics (unitree.com/R1), TIME Magazine Best Inventions 2025, ToborLife, K-Robotics, The Robot Report.
Page maintained by: BotInfo.ai - The Humanoid Robotics Information Resource for Education and Research
Last updated: January 27, 2026
Complete Buying Guide for Education & Research
The most affordable full-scale humanoid for universities and research labs. 7 configurations from $4,900 to $35,000. Pre-order now, delivery April 2026.
Consumer Models
$4,900 - $5,900
R1 Air / Basic (no SDK)
EDU Standard/Smart
$10K - $19K
ROS 2 + SDK included
EDU Pro (Hands)
$20K - $35K
Dexterous manipulation
Delivery
April 2026
Pre-order now
Planning an R1 purchase for your institution? We provide personalized recommendations, current dealer pricing, and procurement documentation — completely free.
R1 demonstrating dynamic mobility — cartwheels, running, and balance recovery
Unitree's official demonstration showcasing agile mobility, running, cartwheels, handstands, and balance recovery.
This is the most important distinction. The Basic model does NOT support programming.
Key Point: The R1 Basic ($5,900) is remote-controlled only — NO ROS 2, NO Python, NO SDK. For research, education, or custom development, you MUST choose an R1 EDU variant ($10,000+).
| Capability | R1 Air / Basic | R1 EDU Variants |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,900 - $5,900 | $10,000 - $35,000 |
| Programming / SDK | ❌ Not supported | ✅ Full SDK included |
| ROS 2 Support | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Computing | 8-core CPU only | NVIDIA Jetson Orin (40-100 TOPS) |
| Control | Remote control only | Autonomous + programmatic |
| Best For | Demonstrations, hobbyists | Research, education, development |
Continue reading for complete variant specifications, pricing, and comparisons.
View All 7 R1 Variants ↓
All 7 R1 configurations — same 121cm platform, different capabilities
Unitree offers two humanoid platforms with different strengths. Understanding the tradeoffs helps you make the right investment.
| Specification | R1 EDU Smart | G1 EDU | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (EDU) | $15,000 - $19,000 est. | $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 40 TOPS | R1 (2.5x power) |
| Battery Life | ~1 hour | ~2 hours | G1 (2x runtime) |
| Availability | April 2026 | Now | G1 (ships today) |
| Walking Speed | Up to 9 km/h | Up to 7.4 km/h | R1 (faster) |
How does the R1 compare to other humanoid robots? An honest assessment of what's actually available for purchase.
| Robot | Price | Availability | Target Market | Open Dev |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unitree R1 EDU | $10K - $35K | April 2026 | Education, Research | ✅ ROS 2 |
| Unitree G1 EDU | $44K - $74K | Now | Research | ✅ ROS 2 |
| Unitree H1 | ~$90K+ | Available | Advanced Research | ✅ Full SDK |
| Tesla Optimus | $20-30K target | ❌ Not public | Manufacturing | ❌ Proprietary |
| Figure 03 | Not disclosed | ❌ Enterprise only | Logistics | ❌ Proprietary |
| 1X NEO Beta | ~$75K | Limited pilots | Consumer | Limited |
| Noetix Bumi | ~$1,400 | China only | K-12 Education | Limited |
Key Insight: The R1 EDU is the most affordable humanoid with full ROS 2 support actually available to researchers. Tesla Optimus and Figure robots are not available to the public. Boston Dynamics Atlas is internal R&D only.
Beyond purchase price, what does it cost to operate a humanoid robot? Realistic TCO for institutional planning.
The R1's lower cost enables multi-robot research that would be impossible with higher-priced platforms.
Budget: $50,000
1
G1 EDU
Budget: $50,000
2-3
R1 EDU Smart
Research Enabled
Swarm coordination, multi-agent systems, collaborative tasks
The R1 is available through multiple channels with different pricing, timelines, and service levels.
| Dealer | Models Available | Pricing | Est. Delivery | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unitree Direct | R1 Air, R1 Basic | $4,900 - $5,900 | April 2026 | Buyer handles customs; EDU via sales team |
| ToborLife | All variants | Deposits accepted | March 2026 | USA dealer; deposits refundable |
| K-Robotics | Basic, EDU variants | Full price | TBD | USA dealer |
| RobotShop | Basic, EDU | Listed pricing | Q2 2026 | International shipping available |
| Roboworks | All variants | $3,000 deposit | Early 2026 | UK-based dealer |
Important: As of January 2026, no R1 units have shipped from any dealer. All purchase options are pre-orders or deposits. Delivery timelines are estimates and may change. We recommend contacting dealers directly for current status.
Planning a humanoid robot purchase for your university or research lab? Here's a realistic timeline.
Define research objectives, determine technical requirements (DOF, computing, hands), establish budget, compare variants.
Prepare grant applications or budget requests, obtain committee approvals, finalize vendor selection, process PO.
Submit PO, process payment (deposit or full), confirm delivery timeline, arrange receiving space.
Receive delivery, operator training, SDK installation, network configuration, begin research.
For Fall 2026 Semester:
Order by April 2026
For Spring 2027 Semester:
Order by October 2026
For Grant Proposals:
Start 8-12 months ahead
We provide free procurement briefs with variant recommendations, dealer comparisons, and documentation templates for institutional buyers.
Get Your Free Procurement Brief →Building a robotics lab? Compare all 28 Unitree models — humanoids, robot dogs, and industrial quadrupeds — with live dealer pricing from ToborLife, K-Robotics, and Amazon.
Unitree offers two humanoid platforms with different strengths. Understanding the tradeoffs helps you make the right investment.
| Specification | R1 EDU Smart | G1 EDU | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (EDU) | $15,000 - $19,000 est. | $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 40 TOPS | R1 (2.5x power) |
| Battery Life | ~1 hour | ~2 hours | G1 (2x runtime) |
| Availability | April 2026 | Now | G1 (ships today) |
| Walking Speed | Up to 9 km/h | Up to 7.4 km/h | R1 (faster) |
How does the R1 compare to other humanoid robots? An honest assessment of what's actually available for purchase.
| Robot | Price | Availability | Target Market | Open Dev |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unitree R1 EDU | $10K - $35K | April 2026 | Education, Research | ✅ ROS 2 |
| Unitree G1 EDU | $44K - $74K | Now | Research | ✅ ROS 2 |
| Unitree H1 | ~$90K+ | Available | Advanced Research | ✅ Full SDK |
| Tesla Optimus | $20-30K target | ❌ Not public | Manufacturing | ❌ Proprietary |
| Figure 03 | Not disclosed | ❌ Enterprise only | Logistics | ❌ Proprietary |
| 1X NEO Beta | ~$75K | Limited pilots | Consumer | Limited |
| Noetix Bumi | ~$1,400 | China only | K-12 Education | Limited |
Key Insight: The R1 EDU is the most affordable humanoid with full ROS 2 support actually available to researchers. Tesla Optimus and Figure robots are not available to the public. Boston Dynamics Atlas is internal R&D only.
Beyond purchase price, what does it cost to operate a humanoid robot? Realistic TCO for institutional planning.
The R1's lower cost enables multi-robot research that would be impossible with higher-priced platforms.
Budget: $50,000
1
G1 EDU
Budget: $50,000
2-3
R1 EDU Smart
Research Enabled
Swarm coordination, multi-agent systems, collaborative tasks
The R1 is available through multiple channels with different pricing, timelines, and service levels.
| Dealer | Models Available | Pricing | Est. Delivery | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unitree Direct | R1 Air, R1 Basic | $4,900 - $5,900 | April 2026 | Buyer handles customs; EDU via sales team |
| ToborLife | All variants | Deposits accepted | March 2026 | USA dealer; deposits refundable |
| K-Robotics | Basic, EDU variants | Full price | TBD | USA dealer |
| RobotShop | Basic, EDU | Listed pricing | Q2 2026 | International shipping available |
| Roboworks | All variants | $3,000 deposit | Early 2026 | UK-based dealer |
Important: As of January 2026, no R1 units have shipped from any dealer. All purchase options are pre-orders or deposits. Delivery timelines are estimates and may change. We recommend contacting dealers directly for current status.
Planning a humanoid robot purchase for your university or research lab? Here's a realistic timeline.
Define research objectives, determine technical requirements (DOF, computing, hands), establish budget, compare variants.
Prepare grant applications or budget requests, obtain committee approvals, finalize vendor selection, process PO.
Submit PO, process payment (deposit or full), confirm delivery timeline, arrange receiving space.
Receive delivery, operator training, SDK installation, network configuration, begin research.
For Fall 2026 Semester:
Order by April 2026
For Spring 2027 Semester:
Order by October 2026
For Grant Proposals:
Start 8-12 months ahead
We provide free procurement briefs with variant recommendations, dealer comparisons, and documentation templates for institutional buyers.
Get Your Free Procurement Brief →Comprehensive answers about purchasing, specifications, delivery, and support for the Unitree R1.
As of January 2026, no R1 units have shipped from any source. Delivery estimates vary by dealer: Unitree direct says April 2026, ToborLife estimates March 2026, RobotShop lists Q2 2026. All current purchases are pre-orders or deposits. We recommend confirming current timeline directly with your chosen dealer.
No. The R1 Basic ($5,900) and R1 Air ($4,900) are consumer models with remote control operation only. They do NOT support secondary development, ROS 2, Python, or C++ programming. For any research, education, or custom development work, you must purchase an R1 EDU variant ($10,000+) which includes full SDK access and development rights.
Yes. All R1 EDU variants (Standard, Smart, Pro A/B/C/D) include full ROS 2 (Robot Operating System 2) support, along with Python and C++ programming interfaces. The NVIDIA Jetson Orin computing platform is compatible with the entire ROS 2 ecosystem. Unitree provides SDK documentation and example code.
TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second) measures AI computing power. The R1 EDU Standard has 40 TOPS (NVIDIA Jetson Orin), sufficient for locomotion control and basic perception. The R1 EDU Smart has 100 TOPS (2.5x more power), enabling real-time inference of larger neural networks, quantized LLMs (7B+ parameters), complex vision processing, and multimodal AI. For AI/ML research, the 100 TOPS Smart variant is recommended.
Quick guide:
Most university robotics programs choose the EDU Smart for best balance of capability and cost.
The R1 operates for approximately 1 hour on a single battery charge. The battery is hot-swappable, meaning you can replace it without powering down the robot. Spare batteries cost approximately $500-600 each. For comparison, the G1 offers ~2 hours and the H1 offers 2+ hours. If extended runtime is critical, consider the G1 or budget for multiple R1 batteries.
Key tradeoffs:
Choose R1 for budget efficiency and computing power. Choose G1 for immediate availability and longer runtime.
Partially. The hand modules use the same mounting interface across Pro variants, so physical swaps are possible. However, tactile sensors cannot be retrofitted to non-tactile hands—this requires complete hand replacement. Individual dexterous hands cost ~$5,200 each. Recommendation: Plan your configuration based on 3-5 year research needs. Initial selection matching long-term goals is more cost-effective than upgrading later.
No. As of January 2026, Tesla Optimus is not available for public purchase. Tesla has deployed Optimus internally at its factories but has not announced any timeline for commercial availability. The $20-30K price target is speculative. The R1 is currently the only sub-$50K humanoid with ROS 2 support actually available for purchase.
Hardware safety: Emergency stop, joint torque limiting, collision detection, thermal protection.
Software safety: Virtual safety zones, speed limiting, watchdog timers, permission systems. Organizations must develop proper safety protocols.
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.
Refund policies vary by dealer. ToborLife advertises 100% refundable deposits before shipment. Roboworks states deposits are refundable (minus a small fee) before production. Confirm cancellation terms in writing before placing any deposit.
3-finger (Dex3-1): 7 DOF/hand, simpler, covers 80-90% of manipulation use cases, lower cost. 5-finger (BrainCo Revo 2): 6 DOF/hand, human grasp taxonomies, essential for tool use and HRI. Recommendation: Choose 3-finger (Pro B) unless you specifically need human-like grasping.
The R1 EDU Smart includes a 2-DOF head that can pan and tilt independently, enabling active perception—tracking objects, following gaze, and visual servoing. Essential for HRI research. Basic, Standard, and Air have fixed heads.
Consumer models only. Unitree's shop (shop.unitree.com) sells R1 Air ($4,900) and R1 Basic ($5,900) with $300-$1,200 shipping. Buyer handles customs. For EDU variants, contact Unitree sales ([email protected]) or use authorized dealers.
R1 Basic/Air: 8-month warranty. R1 EDU variants: 12-month warranty. Covers manufacturing defects and component failures. Excludes user damage, modifications, and accidents. Verify international warranty terms before purchasing.
Recommended: Flat floor (avoid thick carpet), minimum 3m × 3m clear space, WiFi 6 network, dedicated charging station, safety padding for initial testing. The 25-29kg weight is manageable for most lab environments.
R1 EDU supports Python, C++, and the ROS 2 ecosystem on NVIDIA Jetson Orin (Linux-based). Unitree provides example code and documentation. Supports mainstream simulation environments. Note: R1 Basic/Air do NOT support programming.
Options: Extended warranties (purchase before expiration), pay-per-service repairs, replacement parts from Unitree, self-repair for skilled teams. Budget $500-$1,500 annually for maintenance. Common components $200-$800, complex assemblies $1,000-$3,000.
Bumi (~$1,400) is much cheaper but less capable—3-foot-tall, limited mobility, no ROS, China-only. R1 is a full-scale humanoid (4 feet) with advanced locomotion and open development. Choose Bumi for K-12 STEM exposure. Choose R1 EDU for university research.
The Unitree R1 represents a significant shift in robotics accessibility. By offering a capable, research-grade humanoid platform starting at $4,900 (consumer) and $10,000 (research), Unitree has lowered the barrier for educational institutions, small research labs, and developers to explore bipedal robotics.
As recognized by TIME Magazine's Best Inventions of 2025, the R1's innovation isn't any single specification—it's the recognition that advancing robotics research requires accessible platforms that thousands of researchers can afford, not just elite labs with corporate partnerships.
With delivery expected in April 2026, the R1 is positioned to accelerate bipedal robotics research by bringing a new generation of developers into the field.
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Get Your Free Procurement Brief →Sources: Official Unitree Robotics (unitree.com/R1, shop.unitree.com), TIME Magazine Best Inventions 2025, The Robot Report, authorized dealers (ToborLife, K-Robotics, RobotShop, Roboworks).
Last Updated: January 27, 2026 | Next Review: Post-delivery (April 2026)