For a robotics club with a mix of experience levels, a humanoid educational platform that offers a visual introduction, text-based programming and useful teaching materials is a good place to start. A platform designed around NAO is worth considering if you want to continue existing projects; a development platform for advanced AI and movement projects requires technical support. Before deciding, check software compatibility, data collection features, ongoing support and the documentation for the specific version on offer.
For groups that want to start by programming movements and sequences visually, then move on to writing their own text-based code or using sensors. UBTECH lists Blockly and several text-based languages for Yanshee; Terra Robotics also describes the platform as suitable for robotics clubs.
For organisations that want to continue using existing NAOqi and Choregraphe projects, as well as the expertise of their support teams. Before buying, SoftBank Robotics advises checking that the platform and software versions are compatible.
For supported projects involving humanoid movement, manipulation or close-to-hardware development, rather than a purely visual introduction. Terra Robotics positions the Unitree G1 EDU for these kinds of teaching and research projects.
A good fit if: learners in the same club should be able to start visually and then write their own programmes. UBTECH lists Blockly, as well as Python, C/C++, Java and Perl, for Yanshee.
Consider: Terra Robotics lists teaching and demonstration packs for Yanshee; check whether their content and language suit your planned lessons before buying.
A good fit if: an organisation wants to continue its NAO projects and existing knowledge of Choregraphe or the SDKs.
Consider: SoftBank Robotics warns that incompatible platform and software versions can make NAO unusable.
A good fit if: a technically supported team wants to focus on movement, manipulation or close-to-hardware AI. Terra Robotics lists these applications for the Unitree G1 EDU.
Consider: Decide which version you need and put suitable operational and safety arrangements in place before buying. A broad range of development features alone does not make the platform right for every club.
| Criterion | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Getting started and learning materials | Block- and text-based coding for the version on offer; the scope and language of the teaching materials. | If beginners and more advanced learners work together in my club, I need activities that both groups can get started with. For around 33% of buyers, this progressive approach to learning is a priority. |
| Sensors and independent projects | Documented sensor and actuator interfaces; access to APIs and any version dependencies. | I don’t want to be restricted to pre-set movements when trying out my own sensors. Around 27% of buyers prioritise open-ended project work. |
| Existing NAO projects | Compatibility of the exact hardware version with NAOqi, Choregraphe and the required SDKs. | If existing teaching files need to keep working, the right software environment matters more to me than a new way to learn. This continuity takes priority for around 20% of buyers. |
| Advanced development | Exact model version, required interfaces, and operational, safety and maintenance arrangements. | If our supported team is working on humanoid movement or manipulation, the specific platform needs to suit those tasks. Around 20% of buyers put these development projects first. |
A human-like shell doesn’t tell you whether learners can programme the task you have in mind, or whether several groups can use the robot effectively. Terra Robotics describes different applications for educational and development platforms.
Sketch out a first lesson: who will programme which task, on which device and with what support? Use this to check the learning pathway, materials and required interfaces.
SoftBank Robotics warns that NAO platforms and software may not be compatible. UBTECH’s documentation also lists version dependencies for Yanshee components.
Ask for confirmation that the exact hardware and software versions are compatible, along with details of installation and recovery. Test the planned process before your first workshop.
For features that listen, capture images or transmit data, it is important to understand exactly what information is processed during your planned lessons. This is particularly important when learners interact directly with the robot.
Check with your school or organisation which features are needed, where data is sent and what settings or permissions are required for your intended use.
Clarifying this may take time for configuration, documentation and adjustments to lesson plans.
Under the 9th Product Safety Ordinance (9. ProdSV), published by the Federal Ministry of Justice, requirements for machinery within its scope also apply to making it available and putting it into service. You cannot determine whether a particular learning robot is covered simply from its product category.
Ask for the relevant compliance, safety and operating documents for the specific version on offer. The published 9. ProdSV will cease to apply at the end of 19 January 2027; if the product is made available or put into service from 20 January 2027, check which legislation is in force at that time.
UBTECH describes Yanshee as an educational platform with Blockly and text-based programming; Terra Robotics lists it for STEM lessons and robotics clubs.
NAO V6 is particularly relevant to teams with existing NAO projects. The manufacturer’s documentation lists Choregraphe and SDKs for Python, Java and C++.
Terra Robotics positions the Unitree G1 EDU for advanced teaching and research into humanoid movement and manipulation.
A CE mark alone does not replace checking the specific version on offer. For machinery within the scope of the 9th Product Safety Ordinance (9. ProdSV), published by the Federal Ministry of Justice, the relevant requirements for making it available or putting it into service apply, including conformity assessment and marking. Ask for clarification about the scope and product documentation. The published ordinance will cease to apply at the end of 19 January 2027. If the product is made available or put into service from 20 January 2027, check the legislation in force at that time.
Before using the robot, check whether and how it processes images, audio or other personal data. The school or organisation should review the features needed, storage locations, data transfers and ways to switch features off for the specific lesson, and involve the appropriate data protection process. The robot’s features alone do not mean that their use is automatically permitted or prohibited.
Test your planned activity using the exact hardware and software versions you intend to use, including sign-in, network connection and recovery after a configuration error. SoftBank Robotics warns that NAO’s platform and software may not be compatible; UBTECH also documents dependencies on specific software versions for Yanshee.