UBTech Robotics introduced the U1 humanoid robot on Tuesday in Shenzhen. The U1 includes emotional (affective) artificial intelligence and is available in male and female versions, standing 183 cm and 168 cm tall respectively. The robot features lifelike silicone skin and is sold in Lite, Pro and Ultra variants.

According to CNA, UBTech sells the U1 humanoid robot, which can hold conversations and can be customized to resemble loved ones or celebrities. CNA also reported that UBTech targets single people and those aged over 60 as customers for the U1 and positions the robot as a companion to help combat loneliness. CNA noted that UBTech markets the robots with the description “always loyal”; the phrase "always loyal" is a loaded marketing description.

SCMP reported that UBTech Robotics is the world’s first publicly traded humanoid robot maker and that the company has launched a consumer humanoid designed for personal companionship. SCMP also stated that UBTech began presales for the U1 robot.

Sixthtone.com said the robot is described as the world’s “first full-size, ultra-bionic” humanoid robot designed for emotional companionship; the phrase "first full-size, ultra-bionic" is a promotional superlative. Sixthtone.com added that around 3,000 units of the U1 have been sold so far.