Synopsis: A Chinese company has unveiled a low-cost humanoid robot named R1 capable of performing handstands, punches, and even kip-ups. Priced just over Rs 5 lakh, it's set to shake up the robotics industry with high-end features at a budget rate.
China’s Unitree Robotics Takes on Musk’s Optimus with Budget-Friendly, Combat-Ready Robot R1
In a bold move that challenges the dominance of big players like Tesla’s Optimus, Chinese robotics firm Unitree Robotics has launched a powerful and athletic humanoid robot named R1 — and it costs just a little over Rs 5 lakh (USD 5,900).
Despite its price tag, which is significantly lower than its international competitors, R1 doesn't skimp on performance. The 25-kilogram robot boasts 26 joints, giving it impressive flexibility and agility. In viral demonstration videos, R1 is seen doing handstands, throwing combination punches, and even engaging in fist-fighting sequences. The robot also pulls off a "kip-up" — a high-level gymnastic move that few human athletes can master, let alone a robot.
Powered by multimodal AI, the R1 supports voice and image recognition, bringing it a step closer to intelligent, responsive machines designed for real-world tasks. The launch video, shared by Unitree on X (formerly Twitter), features the caption: “Let’s accelerate the advent of the agent era!” The video quickly went viral, clocking nearly 3 million views and sparking wide conversation online.
While the new R1 targets affordability and functionality, Unitree also offers more advanced humanoids — such as the H1, which is priced above Rs 77 lakh, and the G1, which costs nearly Rs 14 lakh.
With its aggressive pricing and robust capabilities, the R1 could be a major disruptor in the humanoid robotics space, where tech giants are racing to build the perfect human assistant.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and promotional materials from Unitree Robotics. Prices and features may vary by region or future updates.
