G1
Limited evidenceRead the findings →Unitree's mid-sized walking humanoid, built for robotics research and development. It's for labs and developers who want a programmable robot, not help with chores. The standard G1 won't run your own code; for that you need the EDU version.
Updated
See the alternatives below, or switch market.
Where it sits in Unitree’s range
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What we know
TechRadar covered Unitree's launch demonstration, and IEEE Spectrum interviewed its founder, though neither put a customer unit through a full performance test. The movement, payload and battery figures below come from Unitree itself. The linked videos are there for extra viewing and aren't part of the written evidence summarised here. TechRadar and Unitree's own small print agree it isn't a home robot, so don't buy it expecting a helper.
A body to program, not a helper
TechRadar was blunt: for all its skill, G1 is not intended as a home robot, and it isn't clear exactly what you'd get for the money. Unitree says much the same in its own small print. The spec page Unitree strongly advises individual buyers to understand humanoids' limits before buying, and says some functions shown are still in development. The standard G1 doesn't support your own programming, per Unitree Robotics Store, so if you want new skills you'll need the EDU version and someone who can write the code.
Hands cost extra, arms carry little
Dex3-1 hands are an optional extra for the EDU version, not standard kit. Unitree rates the arm load at about 2kg for the standard G1 and 3kg for the EDU, and the limit changes a lot depending on arm position. Those are ratings, not proof it can reliably carry everyday objects round your home, so don't plan on it fetching and carrying.
Two hours, then swap the battery
Unitree quotes about two hours from a removable battery. Real runtime depends on how much it moves and what it's doing, so don't read that figure as two hours of continuous walking or lifting. Plan on someone being around to charge or swap the battery when it runs down, and on keeping a charged spare if you want longer sessions.
Buying from China takes admin
The G1 listing on Unitree Robotics Store ships from China. Shipping is charged separately, and the buyer pays customs duties, taxes and import clearance. Unitree needs a phone number and email address for customs, and says some countries also need a tax ID. When we checked, the standard G1 was on backorder. The spec page Unitree lists an 8-month warranty for the standard G1 and 18 months for the EDU, so budget time for returns if something fails.
Specs come from Unitree's G1 page and cover the standard G1 and the G1 EDU.
Our take
Should you buy the G1?
Best for: Robotics clubs and labs budgeting for the programmable EDU version. Skip it if: You expect it to do household chores by itself.
Consider the G1 EDU if you need a programmable walking robot for research or development. Confirm the included hardware and software access before ordering. The standard G1 and EDU versions have different capabilities, and neither should be bought on the assumption that it will perform household chores.
G1 is the middle of Unitree's humanoid range, above the smaller R1 and below the full-size H1, H1-2 and H2. It stands 1.32m tall, weighs about 35kg and folds down for transport. Unitree sells a standard G1 through its own store and a G1 EDU through its sales team, and only the EDU lets you run your own code and adds optional three-fingered hands.
Unitree's store and launch videos show flips, stair climbing and kung fu, and Unitree itself says some of those functions are still being developed. Unitree quotes about two hours per battery and around two kilograms per arm, less with the arm stretched out. Buying means shipping from China with duties and import paperwork on you.
Before you buy
The questions people ask about this one
Can I actually buy one?
Yes. Unitree sells the standard G1 through its online store and the EDU through its sales team Unitree Robotics Store. When we checked, the standard version was on backorder. Shipping costs extra, and customs duties, taxes and import clearance are the buyer's job.
What can it do on its own today?
Unitree’s demonstration shows the G1 walking, running, getting up from the floor and using stairs. Unitree also says some of the functions it shows are still in development. The videos don't tell you which of those moves a standard customer unit can do without extra programming.
Is it safe to have around people?
Unitree itself warns that the robot is powerful and asks users to keep a sufficient safe distance from people the specifications. It weighs about 35kg with its battery. We found no safety certification, so keep children and pets well clear when it's moving.
What does it need to run?
A charged quick-release battery, the charger and the handheld controller, which come with it the specifications. Unitree quotes about two hours per battery. To run your own software you need the EDU version, which can take an extra computing module.
Who supports it if it breaks?
Unitree, from China. The warranty is 8 months on the standard G1 and 18 months on the EDU the specifications. The store Unitree Robotics Store lists an email address and a Hangzhou address for contact. We didn't find named repair partners in the UK, Europe or Australia.
Alternatives
Other humanoid robots to compare.
R1
Why consider it: Unitree's smaller, lighter humanoid, sold as a mobility and development platform.
The compromise: It's not a ready-made helper either, and the battery lasts about half as long.
T1
Why consider it: A lightweight developer humanoid with open-source tools and a wide choice of joint counts.
The compromise: It's a developer's tool too, not something to hand to a non-technical owner.
N1
Why consider it: An open-source humanoid of a similar height, aimed squarely at developers.
The compromise: It's built for writing movement code, not for doing jobs around the house.
Specs
Full specifications
Each specification names its source. Manufacturer claims are not independent test results; unconfirmed figures are labelled.
Owner reviews
Do you own the G1?
Tell people how it’s held up: cleaning, maintenance, faults and support. Owner accounts are shown separately from independent reviews.
Sources
Where this page’s findings come from
Sources
Videos
- JasonMJS: Unitree G1 Robot Hands-On Review ↗
- CNET: Taking the Unitree G1 Humanoid Robot for a Spin | What The Future ↗
- Search YouTube for Unitree G1 ↗Search results may include company demonstrations or similar models. Check the source and model name; a demonstration is not an independent performance test.