The race to bring advanced humanoid robots to market is heating up, with several tech giants and startups eager to release their creations to the public. 2024 saw remarkable advancements in AI humanoid robotics, with industry leaders like Tesla and NVIDIA spearheading innovations that are set to redefine human-robot interaction.
Expected Costs of Top 5 Humanoid Robots
While pricing details aren’t known for every bot, we have some good information to work with. Unitree Robotics, a China-based company, made waves in 2024 with its G1 humanoid robot, priced at a relatively affordable $16,000.
This entry-level price suggests that some manufacturers are trying to make humanoid robots a household item. However, it’s important to note that prices for advanced robots from major tech companies are likely to be significantly higher. As the technology is still evolving and production scales are uncertain, actual costs upon release may vary. Potential buyers should anticipate a wide price range, possibly from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on the robot’s capabilities and intended use.
Unitree G1 Features and Costs
The Unitree G1 humanoid robot represents a significant step towards accessible advanced robotics. Standing at 1.27 meters tall and weighing approximately 35 kg, this compact humanoid offers impressive capabilities at a relatively affordable price point of $16,000
Key features of the G1 include:
- 23 degrees of freedom through powered joints in arms, legs, and torso
- Walking speeds up to 4.4 mph (7.2 km/h)
- Weight of 35kg or 77.15 lbs
- Two-finger hands capable of delicate tasks like soldering and food manipulation
- Advanced vision system with LIVOX-360 DAR and Intel RealSense depth camera
- 9,000mAh battery providing about 2 hours of operation
The G1’s AI-driven imitation and reinforcement learning capabilities, combined with its force-position hybrid control system, enable it to adapt to various tasks and environments
This makes the G1 a versatile platform for robotics research, education, and potential industrial applications, bridging the gap between high-end research robots and more accessible consumer-grade humanoids
Tesla Optimus Gen 2 Features and Cost
Tesla’s Optimus Gen 2 humanoid robot, unveiled in 2024 represents a leap in humanoid robotics technology. This advanced iteration boasts improved dexterity and mobility compared to its predecessor.
Key features of the Optimus Gen 2 include:
- Walking speeds of 5 mph or about 8 km/h
- Weight of 150lbs
- Increased hand dexterity, allowing for precise manipulation of small objects
- Advanced AI-powered vision and object recognition capabilities
- Integration with Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) AI for enhanced decision-making
- Automatic Recharging
- Battery life 5 hours continuous operation
While Tesla has not officially announced a price for the Optimus Gen 2, industry experts speculate it may be positioned as a premium offering in the humanoid robot market, potentially competing with high-end industrial and research-oriented models
The Optimus Gen 2’s development aligns with Tesla’s vision of creating versatile robots capable of performing a wide range of tasks in manufacturing, logistics, and potentially domestic environments
Figure 02 Features and Cost
The Figure 02, developed by Figure AI, represents a significant advancement in commercially viable humanoid robots. Standing at 5’6″ (168 cm) tall, this robot closely mimics human form and capabilities
While exact specifications are not publicly disclosed, the Figure 02 is designed for versatile applications in manufacturing and logistics. Regarding its price, Figure AI has not officially announced a cost for the Figure 02. However, industry estimates suggest a range between $30,000 and $150,000, reflecting its advanced capabilities and cutting-edge technology. This pricing positions the Figure 02 as a premium offering in the humanoid robot market, potentially competing with high-end industrial and research-oriented models. The final cost may vary based on production scale, specific configurations, and market demand as Figure AI moves towards commercialization.
NEO Beta Features and Cost
The NEO Beta, developed by 1X Technologies, is a cutting-edge humanoid robot designed for home use. Standing at 5.41 feet (165 cm) tall and weighing 66 pounds (30 kg), NEO Beta boasts impressive capabilities
- Walking speed of 2.5 mph (4 km/h) and running speed of 7.5 mph (12 km/h)
- Ability to carry up to 44 pounds (20 kg) of payload
- 2-4 hours of operation on a single charge
- Muscle-inspired anatomy with tendon drive for more human-like movements3
While 1X has not officially announced pricing, the company’s CEO suggests that NEO Beta will cost about the same as “a relatively affordable car”
Industry estimates place the potential price range between $80,000 and $199,000, with possible subscription models starting at $300-$400 per month. The company plans to deploy a limited number of NEO units in selected homes for research and development purposes, with potential wider availability to paying customers as early as 2025
Apollo Features and Cost
Apollo, developed by Apptronik in partnership with NASA, is a versatile humanoid robot designed for industrial and service applications. Standing at 5’8″ (173 cm) tall and weighing 160 lbs (72.6 kg), Apollo boasts impressive capabilities.
- Payload capacity of 55 lbs (25 kg)
- 4-hour runtime per battery pack with hot-swappable batteries
- Advanced force control architecture for safe human interaction
- Modular design allowing mounting on various mobility platforms
- Intuitive communication through LED displays on head, mouth, and chest
While Apptronik aims to price Apollo competitively, targeting “less than the price of a car,” the expected cost is around $50,000 when it launches in 2024
This pricing strategy positions Apollo as an accessible option for businesses looking to integrate advanced humanoid robotics into their operations, potentially revolutionizing sectors such as warehousing, manufacturing, and elder care
Factors Influencing Robot Pricing
Several factors influence the pricing of humanoid robots, making it challenging to provide exact costs for upcoming models. Production scale plays a crucial role, with larger production runs potentially lowering per-unit costs.
Technological complexity, including advanced AI capabilities and sophisticated motor systems, can significantly impact prices. Market demand and competition among manufacturers also affect pricing strategies. Additionally, intended applications – whether for research, industrial use, or consumer markets – can lead to varying price points As the humanoid robotics field rapidly evolves, these factors contribute to a wide range of potential costs, from more affordable models like Unitree’s G1 to potentially much higher prices for cutting-edge robots from major tech companies
Industry Applications of Humanoid Robots
The integration of humanoid robots into various industries is accelerating, with significant advancements making them viable for real-world applications. In manufacturing, these robots are being deployed for precision tasks and repetitive assembly line work, enhancing efficiency and reducing human labor requirements.
Logistics sectors are also benefiting from their ability to handle inventory management and warehouse operations seamlessly
- Domestic environments are beginning to see pilot programs, such as 1X Technologies’ NEO Beta, which is designed for household chores and personal assistance
- Research and healthcare industries are exploring humanoids for roles in patient care, rehabilitation, and even companionship, leveraging their advanced AI capabilities
- Entertainment and education sectors utilize humanoid robots for interactive experiences, teaching assistance, and customer engagement
As robots continue to develop, their versatility is expected to redefine traditional workflows across multiple domains.