China’s Unitree Robotics has unveiled its latest innovation: the R1, a lightweight, bipedal humanoid robot that integrates advanced multimodal large language model capabilities, including speech and image recognition. Priced at Ksh.719,000 ($5,566), the R1 is significantly more affordable than its predecessor, the G1, which launched in 2024 at around Ksh.1.7 million ($13,000).
Key Features of the Unitree R1:
- Weight: 25 kg (10 kg lighter than the G1)
- AI Capabilities: Incorporates a multimodal LLM, allowing it to understand and process both visual and auditory information.
- Affordability: Priced at nearly 60% less than the G1, thanks to reduced manufacturing costs.
- Applications: Likely suited for personal assistance, education, research, and light-duty tasks due to its compact size and smart interface.
This launch marks a significant step toward more accessible humanoid robots, as manufacturers like Unitree strive to balance cost, capability, and scalability in the robotics space.
