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China's Lifelike Emotional Companion Bots Go on Sale - Sixth Tone Subscribe to our newsletter FOLLOW US Chinese robotics company UBTech has begun presales for what it calls the world’s “first full-size, ultra-bionic” humanoid robot designed for emotional companionship. Around 3,000 units have been sold so far. Announced June 2, presales of the robot model, called the “U1,” will run through July 15 and require customers to put down a refundable deposit of 3,000 yuan ($440). The official online release is scheduled for June 30. The company has not yet disclosed the full retail price. The U1 comes in two models: a male version standing 183 centimeters tall and weighing 42 kilograms, and a female version 168 centimeters tall and weighing 35.2 kilograms. Both support customization and are available only to adult buyers. The U1 is equipped with 88 “highly mobile” joints, encrypted memory storage, and affective AI. They support Wi-Fi connectivity and charging, with a battery life of two to four hours per charge. China is the world leader in humanoid robotics, with annual sales of domestically produced models expected to more than double to around 28,000 units this year — exceeding …

Chinese firm UBTech sells hyper-real, 'always loyal' humanoid robots The U1 robot can hold conversations and even be customised to resemble loved ones or celebrities. UBTech is targeting single people and those aged over 60, positioning the lifelike android as a companion to help combat loneliness.

China's UBTECH plans to send life-like humanoid robot companions in ... Chinese robotics company UBTECH has launched UWORLD, a new consumer-focused brand, along with its U1 series of humanoid robots. The move marks the company’s expansion from industrial automation into the home robotics market. UBTECH spent years developing full-size humanoids for factories and warehouses, where manufacturers including NIO and FAW-Volkswagen have used its robots. The U1 series brings technologies developed for safe human interaction, precision work, and autonomous operation in complex industrial environments into everyday household settings. In March 2025, UBTECH and Siemens partnered to accelerate humanoid robot production, targeting an annual manufacturing capacity of 10,000 units by 2026. The Shenzhen-based robotics firm recently unveiled the U1 series under its newly created consumer brand, UWORLD. The new series represents a dramatic departure from UBTECH’s traditional focus on industrialhumanoidrobots deployed in factories and warehouses. Although the lifelike androids are expected to cost around $30,000, interest has been high. Pre-orders opened on JD.com on June 2, requiring a 3,000…

China's UBTech launches lifelike humanoid robots for consumers UBTech Robotics, a Chinese manufacturer, unveiled its new series of lifelike humanoid robots on July 1, 2026, in Shenzhen. The launch features two entry-level models designed to resemble humans more closely than the company's previous industrial robots. This strategic move aims to tap into the growing consumer demand for companionship and counseling services. By expanding its offerings to more consumer-oriented applications, UBTech is positioning itself to meet the evolving needs of the market, where realistic humanoid robots are increasingly sought after for personal use. Nikkei.com RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks. The Humanoid M.AX Alliance, established in April 2025, is a consortium comprising 224 entities focused on advancing Korea's humanoid robotics sector. Key initiatives include developing shared Robot AI Foundation Models, conducting R&D on next-gen humanoid technologies, and collaborating on AI semiconductors and mobility batteries. The Alliance also emphasizes startup acceleration and talent development…

UBTech’s lifelike humanoid robots built for companionship arriving in homes across China UBTech Robotics, the world’s first publicly traded humanoid robot maker, has launched a consumer humanoid designed for personal companionship, featuring lifelike silicone skin and emotional artificial intelligence, as Chinese tech firms increasingly transition robots from the factory floor to the family living room. The U1, unveiled on Tuesday in Shenzhen, comes in male and female versions, standing 183cm and 168cm tall, respectively. The model is available in Lite, Pro and Ultra variants,...

Chinese firm sells hyper-real, 'always loyal' humanoid robots July 1, 2026 Chinese firm sells hyper-real, 'always loyal' humanoid robots by Ludovic Ehret edited by Andrew Zinin Editors' notes This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked reputable news agency proofread The GIST Add as preferred source Touted as an antidote to loneliness, the U1 robot is programmed to offer soothing words and get to know its user over time. Their metallic frames covered in supple, lifelike skin, a posse of new Chinese robots meant for companionship can offer users AI-generated conversation or a hand to hold, complete with manicured nails. The company UBTech says its "U1" robot—equipped with eye cameras, chest sensors and listening microphones—is the world's first full-sized, ultra-realistic humanoid designed for mass production. Touted as an antidote to loneliness, the robots are priced at 119,800 yuan ($17,600) for the most basic type and 990,000 yuan ($145,700) for an "Ultra" version with more advanced features. "Our bionic robots can ac…

Chinese firm sells hyper-real, 'always loyal' humanoid robots Chinese firm sells hyper-real, ‘always loyal’ humanoid robots Sign up now: Get insights on Asia's fast-moving developments A visitor touching the face of a humanoid robot during the launch of the U1 humanoid robot produced by UWORLD in Shenzhen, China's Guangdong province, on June 30. PHOTO: AFP Published Jul 01, 2026, 07:37 PM Updated Jul 02, 2026, 10:03 AM Set as preferred source Listen Summarise UBTech's U1 humanoid robots offer lifelike companionship, priced from $22,900, targeting singles and elderly in China with over 13,300 pre-orders and September delivery. The robots feature realistic movements, health reminders and customisable appearances but do not perform household chores or intimacy functions. China leads humanoid robotics with 85 per cent of global installations, viewing it as a strategic industry despite current AI mobility limits and privacy concerns. AI generated SHENZHEN, China – Their metallic frames covered in supple, lifelike skin, a posse of new Chinese robots meant for companionship can offer users artificial intelligence-generated conversation or a hand to hold, complete with manicured nails. Th…

Chinese firm sells hyper-real, 'always loyal' humanoid robots Editor's Pick How old Bengali advertisements sold the dream of fair skin 4 July 2026, 00:00 AM In Focus Why Bangladesh can’t ignore Myanmar’s diplomatic comeback 5 July 2026, 00:00 AM Geopolitical Insights America at 250 and Bangladesh’s strategic moment 5 July 2026, 00:00 AM Geopolitical Insights Is Bangladesh ready for the future of work? 4 July 2026, 00:00 AM Big Picture The forgotten history of football in Bangladesh 3 July 2026, 00:15 AM In Focus Chinese firm sells hyper-real, ‘always loyal’ humanoid robots The robots are priced at 119,800 yuan ($17,600) for the most basic type 1 July 2026, 17:20 PM UPDATED 1 July 2026, 17:20 PM TECH & STARTUP SHARE AFP, Shenzhen Photo: AFP Their metallic frames covered in supple, lifelike skin, a posse of new Chinese robots meant for companionship can offer users AI-generated conversation or a hand to hold, complete with manicured nails. The company UBTech says its "U1" robot -- equipped with eye cameras, chest sensors, and listening microphones -- is the world's first full-sized, ultra-realistic humanoid designed for mass production. Tap Here to Add The Daily Star As A Trus…

UBTech Launches Lifelike Humanoid Robots in Push for Consumer Market TECH UBTech Launches Lifelike Humanoid Robots in Push for Consumer Market By Du Zhihang Published: Jun. 30, 2026  11:51 p.m.  GMT+8 00:00 00:00 / 00:00 您的浏览器不支持 audio 标签。 Listen to this article 1x Subscribe now Listen to the full version The U1 Pro, which is restricted to adult buyers, stands 183 centimeters tall in its male version and 169 centimeters in its female version. Photo: UBTech UBTech Robotics Corp. Ltd. launched a new line of highly realistic bionic humanoid robots on Tuesday, marking an ambitious push into the consumer-companion market with models priced as high as 990,000 yuan ($146,491). The Hong Kong-listed company is seeking to build a “second growth curve” beyond its core industrial and commercial service-robot business by moving into consumer niches, including the large market for women-oriented romance-simulation games. You've accessed an article available only to subscribers Subscribe today for just $.99. VIEW OPTIONS Unlock exclusive discounts with a Caixin group subscription — ideal for teams and organizations. Save an extra $50. Introductory offer for new readers. Subscribe now . RELATED R…