Unitree Robotics
Unitree R1 Basic Humanoid Robot
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The Unitree R1 Basic is the standard configuration of Unitree's accessible humanoid line: a meaningful step up from the R1 Air with 26 degrees of freedom (adding a 2-DoF waist, 2-DoF head, and 5-DoF arms), a binocular depth camera in place of the Air's monocular unit, and the same multimodal speech-and-vision AI, while staying under five figures.
Key Highlights
- Full humanoid platform under $9,000
- 26 degrees of freedom, including articulated waist and head
- Binocular depth camera for spatial perception
- Multimodal AI: speech and vision model, 4-mic array, stereo speakers
- Dynamic balancing, walking, and running modes
Unitree R1 Basic Specs
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | R1 (Base Edition) |
| Dimensions (standing) | 1230 × 357 × 190 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 29 kg (with battery) |
| Degrees of Freedom | 26 (6 per leg, 5 per arm, 2 waist, 2 head) |
| Camera | Binocular depth camera (RGB 1270×720 @30 Hz, depth 544×448 @10 Hz) |
| Compute | 8-core high-performance CPU + 10 TOPS vision module |
| Battery | Swappable pack, approx. 1 h runtime |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 40°C (not waterproof or dustproof) |
Specifications per Unitree R1 User Manual V1.3. Secondary development, dexterous hands, LiDAR, and high-power compute are R1 Edu features; see the R1 Edu configurations.
Built For
- Developers stepping up from the R1 Air
- STEM programs and exhibits
- Entry humanoid platform before an Edu upgrade
Good to Know
For operators 18 and up. The R1 Basic is not waterproof or dustproof and is rated for operation from 0°C to 40°C, so keep it in a dry, indoor environment. Unitree recommends using the included support-stand kit during startup and extended standing while operators build experience.
Warranty & U.S. Support
Sourced through Unitree's authorized U.S. distribution and backed by U.S.-based authorized warranty and repair service, with pre- and post-sale support from Global Drone HQ.
Explore the Unitree Lineup
See the full Unitree collection for every humanoid configuration we carry. The R1 Air trims the price further if you can live with a monocular camera, while the R1 Edu Smart and R1 Edu Pro unlock SDK access and research-grade options.
Pairs well with
Sourced through Unitree's authorized US distribution
Complimentary shipping and returns
Unitree R1 Basic Humanoid Robot
If you have any questions, you are always welcome to contact us. We'll get back to you as soon as possible, within 24 hours on weekdays.
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Dig Deeper
Perception and AI
- Multimodal AI: Speech-and-vision large model running onboard
- Camera: Binocular depth camera (RGB 1270 x 720 at 30 Hz, depth 544 x 448 at 10 Hz)
- Compute: 8-core high-performance CPU plus a 10 TOPS vision module
- Audio: 4-microphone array with stereo speakers
- Note: No SDK; secondary development is an R1 Edu feature
Mobility and Degrees of Freedom
- Degrees of Freedom: 26 total (6 per leg, 5 per arm, 2 waist, 2 head)
- Modes: Dynamic balancing, walking, and running
- Weight: Approx. 29 kg with battery
- Height: 1.23 m standing (1230 x 357 x 190 mm)
- Battery: Tool-free swappable pack, approx. 1 h runtime
Research and Use Cases
- Developers: A step up for developers coming from the R1 Air
- STEM Programs: Classroom robotics and exhibits
- Entry Platform: An entry humanoid to learn on before an Edu upgrade
- Real Hardware: A genuine humanoid to program instead of a simulator
- Upgrade Path: Step up to R1 Edu Smart or R1 Edu Pro for SDK access and research options
Included in the Box
Unitree R1 humanoid robot x1
Battery and charger x1
Remote controller and support-stand kit x1
Compare the R1 Lineup
R1 Air $6,870 | R1 Basic $8,990 | R1 Edu Smart $18,900 | R1 Edu Pro from $19,800 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Degrees of Freedom | 20 | 26 | 26-40 | 26-40 |
| Camera | Monocular RGB | Binocular depth | Binocular depth | Binocular depth |
| Developer SDK | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Onboard Compute | 8-core CPU + 10 TOPS | 8-core CPU + 10 TOPS | 8-core CPU + optional NVIDIA Orin (40-100 TOPS) | 8-core CPU + optional NVIDIA Orin (40-100 TOPS) |
| LiDAR Option | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Best For | Budget entry, individual developers | Step-up entry, STEM programs | Research labs, SDK development | Advanced research, dexterous manipulation |
Why the R1 Basic Stands Out
The R1 Basic is the standard R1 configuration and a real step up from the R1 Air: 26 degrees of freedom with an articulated waist and head, a binocular depth camera, and the same multimodal speech-and-vision AI, all under $9,000.
See the R1 Basic in Action
Watch Unitree's official introduction to the R1, the humanoid platform of embodied AI.
Runs Full Speed.
The R1 Basic walks, balances, and runs on its own two feet. Dynamic balancing keeps this approx. 29 kg biped steady whether it is walking or at a full run.
Dynamic Balance.
Twenty-six degrees of freedom, including an articulated waist and head plus five per arm, give the R1 Basic the agility to hold its balance through fast, dynamic movement.
Acrobatic Control.
Built on Unitree's R1 architecture with a binocular depth camera and multimodal speech-and-vision AI onboard, the R1 Basic moves with the precise, dynamic control of a real humanoid platform instead of a simulator.
The Standard R1, Fully Equipped.
At $8,990, the R1 Basic steps up from the R1 Air with 26 degrees of freedom, a binocular depth camera, and multimodal speech-and-vision AI, while staying under five figures. A tool-free swappable battery delivers about an hour of runtime per charge.
US Warranty • Authorized US Distribution • Ships From the USA • PO-Friendly Quotes
Your bundle
FAQs
What is included with the Unitree R1 Basic at $8,990?
Each R1 Basic ships with the humanoid robot itself, a battery and charger, and a remote controller with a support-stand kit. The $8,990 price is for the standard 26-DoF configuration with the binocular depth camera and onboard multimodal AI. Spare batteries, dexterous hands, LiDAR, and higher-power compute are not part of the Basic build; those are R1 Edu options and can be quoted separately when you request a quote.
What is the lead time and how does the R1 Basic ship?
Lead time depends on configuration and current factory availability. Units already in stock ship quickly, while builds configured at the factory take longer. Because we source through Unitree's authorized US distribution, robots ship from within the United States rather than clearing customs on a direct import, and we confirm the current timeline and keep you updated until it arrives.
What warranty comes with the R1 Basic and where is it serviced?
The R1 Basic includes a 12-month manufacturer warranty handled through Unitree's authorized US distribution, so any covered repair happens in the US instead of being shipped overseas. That means faster turnaround and US-based support before and after the sale. Extended coverage is available on request when you ask for a quote.
Why buy from Global Drone HQ instead of importing an R1 directly?
Direct gray-market imports usually arrive with no US warranty support and frequently lack English documentation or firmware updates, which leaves you on your own if something fails. Our R1 Basic units are sourced through Unitree's authorized US distribution with US-based warranty and service. You also get pre- and post-sale support from a US reseller that stands behind the purchase.
Can universities, government, and enterprise buyers purchase with a purchase order?
Yes. Institutional procurement is a core part of our business, and we regularly work with university labs, government agencies, and enterprise teams. We can provide formal quotes, complete vendor registration, supply a W-9, and accept purchase orders for verified institutions.
Is the Unitree R1 Basic NDAA compliant?
No. Unitree is a Chinese manufacturer, so the R1 Basic is not NDAA compliant and is not intended for federal programs that require NDAA-compliant hardware. For most university research, STEM education, and commercial developers this is not a restriction. If your funding or contract specifically requires NDAA compliance, let us know before ordering so we can flag it.
Does the R1 Basic support an SDK or secondary development?
No. Secondary development and SDK access are R1 Edu features, so the R1 Basic does not include an SDK for writing and deploying your own code. It is an excellent hands-on entry humanoid for learning the platform, exhibits, and STEM programs. If programming your own behaviors is the goal, step up to the R1 Edu Smart or R1 Edu Pro.
How do I choose between the R1 Air, R1 Basic, and R1 Edu models?
The R1 Air ($6,870) is the budget entry with 20 degrees of freedom and a monocular RGB camera. The R1 Basic ($8,990) steps up to 26 degrees of freedom with an articulated waist and head plus a binocular depth camera, still under five figures. The R1 Edu Smart ($18,900) and R1 Edu Pro (from $19,800) add SDK access, LiDAR, and optional NVIDIA Orin compute for research and dexterous manipulation.
How long does the R1 Basic run on a charge and can I add spare batteries?
The R1 Basic uses a tool-free swappable battery pack that delivers roughly one hour of runtime per charge. For continuous sessions in a classroom, lab, or exhibit, most buyers plan for one or two spare packs so they can hot-swap and keep operating. Spare batteries can be added to your quote.
Is the R1 Basic safe to operate in a lab or classroom?
Yes, with the right setup. The R1 Basic is intended for operators 18 and up and needs a clear, dry indoor operating area since it is not waterproof or dustproof and is rated from 0 to 40 degrees Celsius. Unitree recommends using the included support-stand kit during startup and extended standing, especially while operators are still building experience.