China Unveils Humanoid Robot for $41,200

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Chinese company UBTech Robotics has introduced a humanoid robot priced at 299,000 yuan ($41,200), according to SCMP.

Named Tien Kung Xingzhe, the robot was developed in collaboration with the Beijing Innovation Center for Humanoid Robots. It is now available for pre-order, with deliveries expected in the second quarter.

The robot stands 1.7 meters tall and can reach speeds of up to 10 km/h. It adapts to various surfaces—from slopes and stairs to sand and snow—maintaining smooth movements and stability against collisions and external disturbances.

Designed for research purposes, the robot is built for high durability and stability. It operates on the Huisi Kaiwu system by X-Humanoid, developed by a center established in 2023 with contributions from UBTech, Xiaomi, and other organizations.

SCMP notes that UBTech’s robot is a step toward making humanoid robots more affordable. Previously, Unitree Robotics introduced the 1.8-meter H1 model for 650,000 yuan ($89,500). These robots were featured in traditional dance performances during China’s Lunar New Year broadcast on CCTV in January.

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More affordable alternatives also exist. For instance, EngineAI’s PM01 model, standing 1.38 meters tall, is priced at 88,000 yuan ($12,000). A budget-friendly option, the SA01, sells for $5,400, but without an upper body.

Notably, in June 2024, Elon Musk stated that humanoid robots like Optimus could push Tesla’s market capitalization to $25 trillion.