Unitree R1 Humanoid Robot: $4,900-$35K | 7 Variants Compared

Unitree R1 Humanoid Robot: $4,900-$35K | 7 Variants Compared
⭐ TIME Magazine Best Inventions 2025

Unitree R1 Humanoid Robot

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.

121cm
Height
25-29kg
Weight
24-40
DOF
~1hr
Battery
7
Variants

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

🎯 Get Your Free R1 Procurement Brief

Planning an R1 purchase for your institution? We provide personalized recommendations, current dealer pricing, and procurement documentation — completely free.

Personalized variant recommendation
Current dealer pricing comparison
Grant & PO documentation templates
Direct dealer introduction

✓ Response within 24 hours  |  ✓ No obligation  |  ✓ We never share your info

Unitree R1 humanoid robot demonstrating agile movement capabilities including running, cartwheels, and balance recovery - 121cm tall, 25kg lightweight bipedal design

R1 demonstrating dynamic mobility — cartwheels, running, and balance recovery

See the R1 in Action

Unitree's official demonstration showcasing agile mobility, running, cartwheels, handstands, and balance recovery.

⚠️ Critical: R1 Basic vs R1 EDU

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 Unitree R1 variants lineup - R1 Air, R1 Basic, R1 EDU Standard, R1 EDU Smart, R1 EDU Pro A/B/C/D showing different hand configurations

All 7 R1 configurations — same 121cm platform, different capabilities

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

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)

Choose R1 If:

  • Budget is primary constraint
  • Need 100 TOPS for AI/ML workloads
  • Lighter weight matters
  • Can wait until April 2026
  • Multi-robot deployment planned

Choose G1 If:

  • Need robot immediately
  • 2-hour battery is essential
  • Terrain navigation required
  • Budget is less constrained
  • Prefer proven shipping product

R1 vs Other Humanoid Platforms

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.

3-Year Total Cost of Ownership

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

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

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

Multi-Robot Budget Advantage

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

Where to Purchase: Authorized Dealers

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.

Institutional Procurement Timeline

Planning a humanoid robot purchase for your university or research lab? Here's a realistic timeline.

1

Month 1: Requirements & Research

Define research objectives, determine technical requirements (DOF, computing, hands), establish budget, compare variants.

2-3

Months 2-3: Approvals & Documentation

Prepare grant applications or budget requests, obtain committee approvals, finalize vendor selection, process PO.

4

Month 4: Order Placement

Submit PO, process payment (deposit or full), confirm delivery timeline, arrange receiving space.

5-6

Months 5-6: Delivery & Setup

Receive delivery, operator training, SDK installation, network configuration, begin research.

Planning Recommendations

For Fall 2026 Semester:

Order by April 2026

For Spring 2027 Semester:

Order by October 2026

For Grant Proposals:

Start 8-12 months ahead

Need Help Navigating R1 Procurement?

We provide free procurement briefs with variant recommendations, dealer comparisons, and documentation templates for institutional buyers.

Get Your Free Procurement Brief →

Explore the Full Unitree Catalog

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.

G1 Humanoid from $17,990 Go2 Robot Dog from $2,590 H1/H2 Industrial from $29,900
View All Models & Dealer Pricing →

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

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)

Choose R1 If:

  • Budget is primary constraint
  • Need 100 TOPS for AI/ML workloads
  • Lighter weight matters
  • Can wait until April 2026
  • Multi-robot deployment planned

Choose G1 If:

  • Need robot immediately
  • 2-hour battery is essential
  • Terrain navigation required
  • Budget is less constrained
  • Prefer proven shipping product

R1 vs Other Humanoid Platforms

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.

3-Year Total Cost of Ownership

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

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

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

Multi-Robot Budget Advantage

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

Where to Purchase: Authorized Dealers

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.

Institutional Procurement Timeline

Planning a humanoid robot purchase for your university or research lab? Here's a realistic timeline.

1

Month 1: Requirements & Research

Define research objectives, determine technical requirements (DOF, computing, hands), establish budget, compare variants.

2-3

Months 2-3: Approvals & Documentation

Prepare grant applications or budget requests, obtain committee approvals, finalize vendor selection, process PO.

4

Month 4: Order Placement

Submit PO, process payment (deposit or full), confirm delivery timeline, arrange receiving space.

5-6

Months 5-6: Delivery & Setup

Receive delivery, operator training, SDK installation, network configuration, begin research.

Planning Recommendations

For Fall 2026 Semester:

Order by April 2026

For Spring 2027 Semester:

Order by October 2026

For Grant Proposals:

Start 8-12 months ahead

Need Help Navigating R1 Procurement?

We provide free procurement briefs with variant recommendations, dealer comparisons, and documentation templates for institutional buyers.

Get Your Free Procurement Brief →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

When will the R1 actually ship?

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.

Can I program the R1 Basic?

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.

Does the R1 EDU support ROS 2?

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.

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

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.

Which R1 variant should I choose?

Quick guide:

  • Demonstrations only: R1 Basic ($5,900) - no programming needed
  • Locomotion research: R1 EDU Standard ($10-12K) - 40 TOPS is sufficient
  • AI/ML and HRI research: R1 EDU Smart ($15-19K) - 100 TOPS + articulated head
  • Manipulation research: R1 EDU Pro B ($22-28K) - 3-finger tactile, best value
  • Advanced manipulation: R1 EDU Pro D ($28-35K) - 5-finger tactile

Most university robotics programs choose the EDU Smart for best balance of capability and cost.

What's the battery life?

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.

How does R1 compare to Unitree G1?

Key tradeoffs:

  • Price: R1 EDU $15-19K vs G1 EDU $44-74K (R1 is 58-74% cheaper)
  • Computing: R1 up to 100 TOPS vs G1 up to 40 TOPS (R1 has more power)
  • Battery: R1 ~1 hour vs G1 ~2 hours (G1 lasts longer)
  • Availability: R1 April 2026 vs G1 ships now (G1 is available)
  • Weight: R1 25-29kg vs G1 35-47kg (R1 is lighter)

Choose R1 for budget efficiency and computing power. Choose G1 for immediate availability and longer runtime.

Can I upgrade the hand configuration later?

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.

Is Tesla Optimus available to purchase?

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.

What safety features does R1 include?

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.

What's included with the R1 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 my pre-order and get a refund?

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.

What's the 3-finger vs 5-finger hand difference?

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.

What is the 2-DOF articulated head on EDU Smart?

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.

Can I buy R1 directly from Unitree?

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.

What warranty coverage is provided?

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.

Do I need special facilities to operate R1?

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.

What programming languages are supported?

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.

What happens if R1 needs repair after warranty?

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.

How does R1 compare to Noetix Bumi for education?

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 R1's Role in Democratizing Humanoid Robotics

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.

Who Should Consider the R1?

✅ Good Fit:

  • University robotics programs
  • HRI and AI research labs
  • Multi-robot research (swarms)
  • Budget-constrained institutions
  • Teams that can wait until April 2026

⚠️ Consider Alternatives:

  • Need immediate availability → G1
  • 2+ hour runtime critical → G1 or H1
  • Heavy payload required → H1
  • K-12 basic education → Bumi
  • Enterprise logistics → Optimus/Figure

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.

Ready to Plan Your R1 Purchase?

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)

Unitree R1 Humanoid Robot: $4,900-$35K | 7 Variants Compared

Unitree R1 Humanoid Robot: $4,900-$35K | 7 Variants Compared
⭐ TIME Magazine Best Inventions 2025

Unitree R1 Humanoid Robot

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.

121cm
Height
25-29kg
Weight
24-40
DOF
~1hr
Battery
7
Variants

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

🎯 Get Your Free R1 Procurement Brief

Planning an R1 purchase for your institution? We provide personalized recommendations, current dealer pricing, and procurement documentation — completely free.

Personalized variant recommendation
Current dealer pricing comparison
Grant & PO documentation templates
Direct dealer introduction

✓ Response within 24 hours  |  ✓ No obligation  |  ✓ We never share your info

Unitree R1 humanoid robot demonstrating agile movement capabilities including running, cartwheels, and balance recovery - 121cm tall, 25kg lightweight bipedal design

R1 demonstrating dynamic mobility — cartwheels, running, and balance recovery

See the R1 in Action

Unitree's official demonstration showcasing agile mobility, running, cartwheels, handstands, and balance recovery.

⚠️ Critical: R1 Basic vs R1 EDU

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 Unitree R1 variants lineup - R1 Air, R1 Basic, R1 EDU Standard, R1 EDU Smart, R1 EDU Pro A/B/C/D showing different hand configurations

All 7 R1 configurations — same 121cm platform, different capabilities

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

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)

Choose R1 If:

  • Budget is primary constraint
  • Need 100 TOPS for AI/ML workloads
  • Lighter weight matters
  • Can wait until April 2026
  • Multi-robot deployment planned

Choose G1 If:

  • Need robot immediately
  • 2-hour battery is essential
  • Terrain navigation required
  • Budget is less constrained
  • Prefer proven shipping product

R1 vs Other Humanoid Platforms

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.

3-Year Total Cost of Ownership

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

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

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

Multi-Robot Budget Advantage

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

Where to Purchase: Authorized Dealers

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.

Institutional Procurement Timeline

Planning a humanoid robot purchase for your university or research lab? Here's a realistic timeline.

1

Month 1: Requirements & Research

Define research objectives, determine technical requirements (DOF, computing, hands), establish budget, compare variants.

2-3

Months 2-3: Approvals & Documentation

Prepare grant applications or budget requests, obtain committee approvals, finalize vendor selection, process PO.

4

Month 4: Order Placement

Submit PO, process payment (deposit or full), confirm delivery timeline, arrange receiving space.

5-6

Months 5-6: Delivery & Setup

Receive delivery, operator training, SDK installation, network configuration, begin research.

Planning Recommendations

For Fall 2026 Semester:

Order by April 2026

For Spring 2027 Semester:

Order by October 2026

For Grant Proposals:

Start 8-12 months ahead

Need Help Navigating R1 Procurement?

We provide free procurement briefs with variant recommendations, dealer comparisons, and documentation templates for institutional buyers.

Get Your Free Procurement Brief →

Explore the Full Unitree Catalog

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.

G1 Humanoid from $17,990 Go2 Robot Dog from $2,590 H1/H2 Industrial from $29,900
View All Models & Dealer Pricing →

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

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)

Choose R1 If:

  • Budget is primary constraint
  • Need 100 TOPS for AI/ML workloads
  • Lighter weight matters
  • Can wait until April 2026
  • Multi-robot deployment planned

Choose G1 If:

  • Need robot immediately
  • 2-hour battery is essential
  • Terrain navigation required
  • Budget is less constrained
  • Prefer proven shipping product

R1 vs Other Humanoid Platforms

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.

3-Year Total Cost of Ownership

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

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

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

Multi-Robot Budget Advantage

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

Where to Purchase: Authorized Dealers

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.

Institutional Procurement Timeline

Planning a humanoid robot purchase for your university or research lab? Here's a realistic timeline.

1

Month 1: Requirements & Research

Define research objectives, determine technical requirements (DOF, computing, hands), establish budget, compare variants.

2-3

Months 2-3: Approvals & Documentation

Prepare grant applications or budget requests, obtain committee approvals, finalize vendor selection, process PO.

4

Month 4: Order Placement

Submit PO, process payment (deposit or full), confirm delivery timeline, arrange receiving space.

5-6

Months 5-6: Delivery & Setup

Receive delivery, operator training, SDK installation, network configuration, begin research.

Planning Recommendations

For Fall 2026 Semester:

Order by April 2026

For Spring 2027 Semester:

Order by October 2026

For Grant Proposals:

Start 8-12 months ahead

Need Help Navigating R1 Procurement?

We provide free procurement briefs with variant recommendations, dealer comparisons, and documentation templates for institutional buyers.

Get Your Free Procurement Brief →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

When will the R1 actually ship?

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.

Can I program the R1 Basic?

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.

Does the R1 EDU support ROS 2?

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.

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

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.

Which R1 variant should I choose?

Quick guide:

  • Demonstrations only: R1 Basic ($5,900) - no programming needed
  • Locomotion research: R1 EDU Standard ($10-12K) - 40 TOPS is sufficient
  • AI/ML and HRI research: R1 EDU Smart ($15-19K) - 100 TOPS + articulated head
  • Manipulation research: R1 EDU Pro B ($22-28K) - 3-finger tactile, best value
  • Advanced manipulation: R1 EDU Pro D ($28-35K) - 5-finger tactile

Most university robotics programs choose the EDU Smart for best balance of capability and cost.

What's the battery life?

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.

How does R1 compare to Unitree G1?

Key tradeoffs:

  • Price: R1 EDU $15-19K vs G1 EDU $44-74K (R1 is 58-74% cheaper)
  • Computing: R1 up to 100 TOPS vs G1 up to 40 TOPS (R1 has more power)
  • Battery: R1 ~1 hour vs G1 ~2 hours (G1 lasts longer)
  • Availability: R1 April 2026 vs G1 ships now (G1 is available)
  • Weight: R1 25-29kg vs G1 35-47kg (R1 is lighter)

Choose R1 for budget efficiency and computing power. Choose G1 for immediate availability and longer runtime.

Can I upgrade the hand configuration later?

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.

Is Tesla Optimus available to purchase?

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.

What safety features does R1 include?

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.

What's included with the R1 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 my pre-order and get a refund?

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.

What's the 3-finger vs 5-finger hand difference?

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.

What is the 2-DOF articulated head on EDU Smart?

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.

Can I buy R1 directly from Unitree?

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.

What warranty coverage is provided?

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.

Do I need special facilities to operate R1?

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.

What programming languages are supported?

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.

What happens if R1 needs repair after warranty?

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.

How does R1 compare to Noetix Bumi for education?

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 R1's Role in Democratizing Humanoid Robotics

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.

Who Should Consider the R1?

✅ Good Fit:

  • University robotics programs
  • HRI and AI research labs
  • Multi-robot research (swarms)
  • Budget-constrained institutions
  • Teams that can wait until April 2026

⚠️ Consider Alternatives:

  • Need immediate availability → G1
  • 2+ hour runtime critical → G1 or H1
  • Heavy payload required → H1
  • K-12 basic education → Bumi
  • Enterprise logistics → Optimus/Figure

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.

Ready to Plan Your R1 Purchase?

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)

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