Tesla Faces $5,900 Robot Challenger as Unitree Unveils R1 Humanoid
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The R1 stands 4 feet tall and weighs 55 pounds. It includes 26 joints for multi-axis mobility and features voice and image recognition tools. Unitree states that the robot utilizes an 8-core chip with an integrated GPU. The device supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 and includes a removable battery with a runtime of around one hour.
The launch adds pressure to other companies in the humanoid robotics space, including Tesla (TSLA). Tesla has yet to ship its Optimus robot and has not confirmed a production date, although Elon Musk projects producing 100,000 robots every month by 2030. Musk has also estimated that Optimus will cost at least $20,000. That is more than three times the R1's announced price.
The R1's hardware shows a focus on motion over task performance. It does not include usable hands or physical manipulation tools. Analysts note that it is designed for testing and software development, rather than for home or factory use. Unitree has not provided a delivery timeline, but states that the robot is still in development. The company expects to use third-party dealers for global distribution.
Previous Unitree robots have carried higher price tags. The G1 humanoid started at $16,000, while the H1 model reached a price of $90,000. The company says it wants to lower cost barriers for developers and early adopters.
A Growing Industry
The humanoid robotics space has drawn rising interest from investors. Boston Dynamics, owned by Hyundai Motor Company (HYMLF), has developed its Atlas robot for research use, but its price exceeds $100,000. Other companies working in the field include Agility Robotics, Apptronik, and Sanctuary AI, all of which are focused on enterprise deployment.
The R1 launch aligns with government targets in China, where robotics is a national priority under industrial policy plans. Unitree has stated that it aims to integrate humanoid robots into homes and offices in the long term. For now, the R1 adds a new price benchmark in a market still early in commercial adoption.
We used TipRanks' Comparison Tool to analyze Hyundai Motor Company (HYMLF) and Tesla (TSLA), both mentioned in the article. This gives you a broader view of how the two stocks compare across key metrics.
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