en.Wedoany.com Reported - UBTECH has launched the UWORLD U1 series of humanoid robots, marking a significant expansion from the industrial robot sector into the consumer market.
The launch event was held in Shenzhen on June 30. The UWORLD U1 series is touted as the world's first full-size ultra-bionic humanoid robot designed for mass production.
UBTECH founder, chairman, and CEO James Zhou stated that the company believes humanoid robots will go through three stages: handling dangerous and repetitive tasks, becoming companions and service assistants in daily life, and ultimately interacting more naturally with humans across society.
The U1 series includes three models: the half-body U1 Lite starts at RMB 119,800 (global pricing at $27,500), the full-body U1 Pro is priced at $35,000, and the high-dynamic U1 Ultra male version costs up to $179,995. Despite the high price tags, UBTECH announced that cumulative orders for the UWORLD U1 series exceeded 13,361 units at launch.
In terms of appearance, the robot stands up to 183 cm tall, features a silicone shell to simulate human skin texture, realistic hair, and eyes that can track movement. Mechanically, the series boasts 88 degrees of freedom and a proprietary dual-pivot cervical spine, enabling it to mimic up to 90% of basic human movements. It is powered by an emotionally aware large language model (LLM) that can recognize over 20 emotional states with 90% accuracy.
Addressing privacy surveillance concerns, UBTECH has implemented a three-layer privacy architecture, emphasizing "minimized cloud dependency" by encrypting sensitive personal memories directly on the device. UBTECH has also launched a "Human-Robot Companionship Program" to support vulnerable groups. The company plans to donate 100 customized U1 robots in 2026, using 3D facial reconstruction and voiceprint replication technology to recreate specified individuals, providing long-term emotional support through personalized interactions.
Potential buyers face significant technical and physical limitations. The U1 is strictly a social companion and is not designed for climbing stairs, walking on uneven terrain, or performing household chores. According to TechNode, the robot only has a battery life of 2 to 4 hours per charge. UBTECH defends this specification, stating that two to four hours is the industry standard for full-size humanoid robots. The company also clarified to TechNode that the robot is strictly an emotional companion, not a romantic one.
