Shenzhen's UBTECH launches consumer humanoid robots, says orders top 13,000

Shenzhen-based robotics company UBTECH yesterday unveiled its UWORLD U1 series of consumer humanoid robots, marking its latest push to bring humanoid robots from industrial applications into everyday use.

A visitor takes a selfie with UBTECH's UWORLD U1 humanoid robots during the company's global launch event in Shenzhen yesterday. UBTECH unveiled its consumer-oriented humanoid robot series at the event. File photos

The company introduced three models at its 2026 Global Launch Event in Shenzhen: the U1 Lite, U1 Pro and flagship U1 Ultra. Prices start at 119,800 yuan (US$16,700), with the U1 Pro priced at 169,800 yuan and the U1 Ultra at 880,000 yuan for the female version and 990,000 yuan for the male version.

A presentation at UBTECH's 2026 Global Launch Event in Shenzhen on Tuesday displays pricing for the company's UWORLD U1 consumer humanoid robot series, with the U1 Lite starting at 119,800 yuan (US$16,700).

UBTECH said orders for the UWORLD U1 series totaled 13,361 units by yesterday, with deliveries scheduled to begin on Sept. 16.

The launch marks the company's expansion into the consumer robotics market after establishing its presence in industrial and commercial humanoid robots. James Zhou, founder, chairman of the board and CEO of UBTECH, said the company aims to build a robotics ecosystem spanning industrial, commercial and consumer applications.

James Zhou, founder, chairman of the board and CEO of UBTECH, speaks during a media interview following the company's 2026 Global Launch Event in Shenzhen yesterday.

Visitors pose for a group photo with UBTECH's UWORLD U1 humanoid robots during the company's global launch event in Shenzhen yesterday.

According to UBTECH, the U1 series entered mass production June 2. The company describes the robots as the world's first full-size humanoid robots designed for mass production.

The U1 series is available in male and female versions. The male model stands 183 centimeters tall and weighs 42 kilograms, while the female model is 168 centimeters tall and weighs 35.2 kilograms. Each robot features 88 degrees of freedom and customizable appearances.

UBTECH said the robots are powered by an emotion-driven artificial intelligence model designed to support long-term human interaction. The company said the robots use on-device encrypted memory to help protect users' privacy while supporting personalized interactions. The robots are also equipped with up to 200 TOPS of computing power, allowing AI models to run locally on the device.

The company said the robots are intended for applications including companionship, hospitality, elder care, education, tourism and exhibitions.

Journalists examine and photograph a UBTECH UWORLD U1 humanoid robot during the company's global launch event in Shenzhen yesterday.

Several models from UBTECH's UWORLD U1 humanoid robot series are displayed during the company's global launch event in Shenzhen yesterday.

Models and a UBTECH UWORLD U1 humanoid robot walk onto the stage during the company's global launch event in Shenzhen yesterday.

At the launch event, UBTECH appointed Norwegian electronic music producer and DJ Alan Walker as global ambassador for the UWORLD entertainment intellectual property and said he would become the first musician to have a dedicated humanoid robot created in his likeness.

UBTECH's 2026 Global Launch Event announces Norwegian electronic music producer and DJ Alan Walker as the world's first musician to receive a dedicated humanoid robot, part of the company's launch of its UWORLD U1 consumer humanoid robot series, in Shenzhen yesterday.

UBTECH also announced a public welfare initiative to donate 100 customized U1 humanoid robots this year to support children, older adults living alone and other vulnerable groups through long-term companionship programs.

Founded in 2012 and listed in Hong Kong, UBTECH develops humanoid robots and intelligent service robots for industrial, commercial, educational and consumer applications.