Anyone searching for what does the unitree r1 do usually wants to know whether this robot is useful for anything concrete or is just a trade-show piece. The answer depends on the project: the R1 does a few things, at a low entry price for a humanoid. All versions are gathered on the R1 range page.
What the Unitree R1 really does
The R1 is a bipedal humanoid 1230 mm tall (1230×357×190 mm standing) and weighs about 27 kg in the Air and about 29 kg in the R1 and EDU versions. It has 20 to 26 degrees of freedom: 6 per leg, 4 or 5 per arm, plus a 2-DoF waist and head on the non-Air versions. The functions documented on the official Unitree page are four.
- Mobility. Unitree presents the 20 to 26 degrees of freedom as the ability to adapt to complex scenarios; the 2-DoF head (absent on the Air) widens the field of view.
- Multimodal model for voice and images. The robot integrates a large multimodal model, with a 4-array microphone and a speaker, for voice and visual interaction.
- Open interfaces. The page mentions open control interfaces for joints and sensors and support for the main simulation platforms. This openness applies only to the EDU version, the only one with the Secondary Development entry (development with the SDK) in the Unitree table.
- OTA updates and control. It is controlled with the Unitree app or a remote controller and is updated remotely over the air.
In practice: it walks and responds to commands from the app or the remote controller. Unitree sums it up as "movement first, tasks as well": the variety of movement is the base on which tasks are then completed.
What it does not do: the real limits
The maximum arm payload is about 2 kg, and Unitree points out that it varies a lot with the arm posture. It is not a robot for picking up and moving boxes.
- Runtime. About 1 hour on every version: a day of trials almost always needs a second battery.
- No custom code on Air and Basic. With the Air and Basic you run Unitree's software, not your own applications.
- Shorter warranty. 6 months on the Air, 8 on the Basic, 12 on the EDU.
- Manufacturer's warnings. In the notes of the spec sheet, Unitree writes that the humanoid sector is at an early exploration stage, that some of the functions shown are still in development and that a safe distance from the robot must be kept.
How much the Unitree R1 costs
End-user prices excluding VAT, from the public price list. Shipping and insurance are quoted in the offer.
| Version | Price (excluding VAT) |
|---|---|
| R1 Air | €7,190 |
| R1 Basic | €8,262 |
| R1 Edu Standard (R1-U1) | €14,930 |
| R1 Edu Smart (R1-U2) | €17,608 |
| R1 Edu Professional A (R1-U3) | €32,282 |
| R1 Edu Professional B (R1-U4) | €35,217 |
Below the Air there are only the legless R1-A torsos, from €6,295 (R1-A5 Standard). On the manufacturer's product page the starting prices are $4,900 for the R1 Air and $5,900 for the R1, excluding taxes and shipping, while the EDU is priced on request.
R1 Air, R1 Basic or R1 EDU?
The differences come from the parameter table on the official Unitree spec sheet.
| Item | R1 Air | R1 Basic | R1 EDU |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degrees of freedom | 20 | 26 | 26-40 (with hands) |
| Arm / waist / head | 4 / 0 / 0 | 5 / 2 / 2 | 5 / 2 / 2 |
| Camera | Monocular | Binocular | Binocular |
| Development with SDK | No | No | Yes |
| Computing module | No | No | Optional (Orin 40-100 TOPS) |
| Warranty | 6 months | 8 months | 12 months |
The arm payload stays at about 2 kg on all three. The choice comes down to one question: do you need to run your own code on it? If so, the EDU is the only option, and the real price starts from €14,930, not from the Air's €7,190.
Who it makes sense for
- Teaching. Robotics courses and university labs: the Air demonstrates the movements without needing to be programmed; the EDU is for running the students' exercises.
- Locomotion and reinforcement learning research. With the EDU you train in simulation and transfer to the robot. Check the state of the SDK on the R1 before ordering: see the ROS 2 Unitree guide.
- Demos, trade shows and communication. The Air is the right version: it is the cheapest and is controlled from the app or the remote controller.
If the task is handling objects on a bench, a biped is not the right tool: consider the R1-D torso. Before the quote we run a free eligibility check for UK schemes such as capital allowances and R&D tax relief, and for leasing; we provide the quote and technical documentation, not tax advice. Details are on the Financing page.
R1 or G1?
The R1 is smaller and lighter than the G1 (123 versus 132 cm, 27-29 versus about 35 kg) and costs far less: the G1 Air starts at €19,809. The G1 EDU goes up to 43 degrees of freedom and has more hand options: it is the platform for research on manipulation and physical AI. The point-by-point comparison is in the 2026 humanoid comparison.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Unitree R1 do?
It walks, responds to voice and images through a multimodal model and is controlled from the app or a remote controller. Only the R1 EDU can run your own code. It is not suited to lifting loads.
How much does the Unitree R1 cost?
From €7,190 (R1 Air) to €35,217 (R1 Edu Professional B), excluding VAT. Shipping and insurance are quoted in the offer.
Can the R1 Air be programmed?
No. The Air and Basic can only be used with the Unitree app or a remote controller; to run your own code you need an R1 EDU, from €14,930.
What is the difference between the R1 Air and the R1 EDU?
The R1 Air has 20 degrees of freedom, a monocular camera, no motorised waist or head and a 6-month warranty. The R1 EDU has 26 degrees of freedom (up to 40 with optional hands), a binocular camera, SDK and a 12-month warranty.
R1 or G1?
The R1 for teaching and first locomotion trials on a tight budget; the G1 EDU for research on manipulation and physical AI.
Sources
- Unitree, official R1 spec sheet (R1 Air, R1, R1 EDU): unitree.com/R1
- Unitree, R1 store: shop.unitree.com
- Abra Robotics public end-user price list, prices excluding VAT: listino-unitree