UBTech Unveils U1 Humanoid at 119,800 Yuan, Claiming 13,000 Pre-Orders
Updated
Updated · The Independent · Jul 6
UBTech Unveils U1 Humanoid at 119,800 Yuan, Claiming 13,000 Pre-Orders
3 articles · Updated · The Independent · Jul 6
Summary
More than 13,000 pre-orders have been logged for UBTech’s new U1, a hyper-realistic humanoid the Shenzhen company says is the first ready for mass production.
Priced from 119,800 yuan to 990,000 yuan, the male and female robots target companionship for single and elderly users, using emotional AI and camera-equipped eyes to detect stress or fatigue.
UBTech pitched the U1 as a response to loneliness rather than a domestic helper, saying it is not intended for intimate relations and is not focused on chores such as cooking or housework.
China has made humanoid robots one of 10 strategic industries for 2026-2030, with Barclays forecasting 11 million deployments by 2035 even though Morgan Stanley estimated only 12,000 humanoids were sold there last year.
China plans millions of humanoid robots, but can their AI evolve from performative to truly practical?
As AI companions promise unconditional loyalty, will we lose patience for real, imperfect human relationships?
UBTech’s UWorld U1 Sells 13,361 Units at Launch: The Rise, Ethics, and Impact of Mass-Produced AI Companion Robots
Overview
On June 30, 2026, UBTech launched its UWorld U1 series, marking a major step in AI companionship and the integration of humanoid robots into daily life. This debut quickly put UBTech at the forefront of the industry and sparked new discussions about the future of human-robot interaction. The UWorld U1 robots feature 88 bionic joints, allowing them to replicate human movements with impressive accuracy. UBTech’s proprietary dual-pivot biomimetic cervical spine and advanced neck design further enhance their lifelike motion, making these robots a significant milestone in bridging the gap between humans and machines.