Unitree R1 Review: Specs, Price and Versions of the Low-Cost Humanoid Robot
Updated: 7 days ago
The Unitree R1 is a humanoid robot 1.23 m tall that weighs about 27 to 29 kg, sold in three versions from USD 4,900. This review covers its specifications, design, versions, uses and price.
Quick Verdict
The R1 is Unitree's cheapest humanoid and one of the cheapest on the market. The R1 AIR at USD 4,900 has 20 degrees of freedom and a single camera; the R1 at USD 5,900 has 26, with a moving waist and head and a stereo camera. Both are closed products without development access. Battery life is about one hour and each arm carries about 2 kg, so the R1 is a platform for demonstration, teaching and entertainment. Researchers need the R1 EDU, which is priced on request. The maker notes that some demonstrated functions are still in development.
Unitree R1 at a Glance
Height: 1230 mm
Weight: about 27 kg for the R1 AIR, about 29 kg for the R1
Degrees of freedom: 20 to 26, or up to 40 on the R1 EDU
Arm load: about 2 kg
Battery life: about 1 hour
Price: from USD 4,900, excluding tax and shipping
Unitree R1 Technical Specifications
The table below compares the three versions listed by the manufacturer.
Specification | R1 AIR | R1 | R1 EDU |
Price | USD 4,900 | USD 5,900 | On request |
Standing size | 1230 × 357 × 190 mm | Same | Same |
Weight with battery | About 27 kg | About 29 kg | About 29 kg |
Total degrees of freedom | 20 | 26 | 26 to 40 |
Leg and arm degrees of freedom | 6 and 4 | 6 and 5 | 6 and 5 |
Waist and head | None | 2 and 2 | 2 and 2 |
Camera | Monocular | Binocular | Binocular |
Dexterous hand | No | No | Optional |
Computing module | No | No | Yes, 40 to 100 TOPS |
Secondary development | No | No | Yes |
Warranty | 6 months | 8 months | 12 months |
Detailed Technical Data
Lithium battery with quick release; about 1 hour of operation
8-core processor
Four-microphone array and speaker
Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2
Arm load of about 2 kg, depending on posture
Local air cooling
Manual controller and over-the-air updates
Design and Build Quality
At 1.23 m and under 30 kg the R1 is smaller and lighter than the Unitree G1. The cheapest version saves cost by leaving out the waist and head joints and by using a single camera; the R1 restores them with two degrees of freedom each in waist and head and a stereo camera. The joint motors are low-inertia, high-speed units. Unlike the G1, the R1 does not list a LiDAR or depth camera among its sensors.
Software and Development
Control
The robot is operated with a manual controller and receives over-the-air updates.
Development Access
The R1 AIR and R1 do not support secondary development. The R1 EDU does, and it can carry a computing module of 40 to 100 TOPS and an optional dexterous hand.
Unitree R1 Uses
The R1 is aimed at demonstration, education and entertainment, and in its EDU version at research.
Demonstration and Entertainment
The low price makes the R1 a practical choice for exhibitions, events and showrooms.
Education
Schools and training centres can use it to show humanoid movement.
Research
The R1 EDU serves as a low-cost platform for work on humanoid control.
Unitree R1 Price and Value
The Unitree R1 AIR is listed at USD 4,900 and the R1 at USD 5,900 by the manufacturer, excluding tax and shipping. The R1 EDU is priced on request. Prices are indicative, are not final and may change.
For the company behind the robot, read the Unitree Robotics Company Profile: History, Products, Stock Listing and Controversies.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Among the lowest prices for a humanoid robot
Light and compact
Stereo camera, waist and head joints on the R1
EDU version with up to 40 degrees of freedom
Cons
About 1 hour of battery life
No development access on the two priced versions
No LiDAR or depth camera listed
Some demonstrated functions still in development, according to the maker
Who Should Buy the Unitree R1?
The R1 fits schools, exhibitors and enthusiasts who want a humanoid at low cost; researchers should look at the R1 EDU or the larger G1 EDU.
Unitree R1 FAQ
How much does the Unitree R1 cost?
The R1 AIR is listed at USD 4,900 and the R1 at USD 5,900 by the manufacturer, excluding tax and shipping. The R1 EDU is priced on request.
How tall and heavy is the Unitree R1?
It is 1230 mm tall and weighs about 27 kg as the R1 AIR and about 29 kg as the R1.
How many degrees of freedom does the Unitree R1 have?
20 on the R1 AIR, 26 on the R1 and 26 to 40 on the R1 EDU.
How long does the Unitree R1 battery last?
About 1 hour.
How much can the Unitree R1 lift?
About 2 kg per arm, depending on arm posture.
Can I program the Unitree R1 myself?
Only the R1 EDU supports secondary development.
What is the difference between the R1 AIR and the R1?
The R1 adds two degrees of freedom each in the waist and head, a fifth in each arm and a stereo camera in place of a single camera.
What is the difference between the Unitree R1 and G1?
The G1 is taller and heavier at 1320 mm and about 35 kg, has a 3D LiDAR and depth camera and about 2 hours of battery, and starts at USD 13,500.
Specifications and prices are based on manufacturer information. Prices are indicative, are not final and may change.
