China's UBTech Unveils Humanoid Companion Robots, Exceeding 13,000 Orders

Chinese robotics firm UBTech has launched its first line of humanoid companion robots, the U1 series, designed to resemble humans and integrate into daily life. The company showcased the robots at a global event in Shenzhen on June 30th, aiming to usher in an era of mass-produced, intelligent home robots.

The U1 series includes three models: the U1 Lite (upper body only), the U1 Pro (full body, high-performance), and the U1 Ultra (full body, dynamic movement). These robots are engineered to assist with domestic tasks and provide emotional support, functioning as virtual companions. UBTech reported that the series had garnered 13,361 pre-orders on the day of its launch.

Designed with human-like proportions, the male version stands 183 cm tall and weighs 42 kg, while the female version is 168 cm tall and weighs 35.2 kg. Both feature biomimetic skin. With 88 joints and a cervical spine mimicking human anatomy, the robots can replicate up to 90% of human movements. However, some observers noted occasional awkwardness in their motion, suggesting a slight delay in execution.