Beijing, April 10 (SANA) — Chinese company Unitree Robotics is preparing to expand the international reach of one of the world’s most affordable humanoid robots, with plans to potentially introduce it to global markets, including the United States, according to reports.
The robot, named “Unitree R1,” was launched in China last year at a starting price of around $4,900, significantly lower than most humanoid robots on the market, which typically cost tens of thousands of dollars, according to technology news outlet Digital Trends.
The R1 stands about 1.2 meters tall and weighs between 25 and 27 kilograms. It is equipped with 26 joints that enable flexible movement, along with an onboard computing system supporting voice interaction and image recognition.
Reports indicate that the robot could be made available internationally through the Ali Express platform, potentially reaching markets in Europe, Japan, Singapore, and the United States. However, the company has not yet announced official details regarding international pricing or availability.
If implemented, the move could help reduce the cost barrier to entry in humanoid robotics, making such technologies more accessible to developers, researchers, and hobbyists, and enabling wider experimentation beyond laboratory settings.
IZ/RK