AI and robotics research teams
If you want to develop your own algorithms, check that the documented control options match the hardware version you need. Unitree and ROBOTIS provide developer documentation for specific versions.
Who are humanoid platforms suitable for?
Educators running interaction projects
For programming, language and interaction exercises, it’s important that the software and learning activities suit your course. Génération Robots lists Choregraphe, as well as Python and C++ SDKs, among the tools available for NAO V6.
Purchasers responsible for ongoing support
If you’re planning to use a robot in a teaching or laboratory space, you’ll need to consider safety measures, maintenance and repair options as well as the platform itself. Under section 3 of the German Betriebssicherheitsverordnung (BetrSichV), a risk assessment is required when employees use the robot; ROBOTIS advises customers to contact their distributor about repairs.
What should you look for when choosing?
Bipedal development platform for education
A good fit if: you want to develop your own algorithms for movement, perception or embodied AI on a larger system.
Things to consider: According to the manufacturer, the standard Unitree G1 does not support Secondary Development. Equipment and features vary between EDU variants.
Compact platform for teaching and interaction
A good fit if: guided programming and human-robot interaction are your main focus, or you’re looking for a compact research platform.
Things to consider: NAO and OP3 use different software workflows. With OP3, you’ll need to match the revision to the right ROS documentation.
Modular build-it-yourself kit or supported project
A good fit if: building and making your own components are part of your learning or research goals, or you need external integration and support.
Things to consider: The Poppy kit described does not include 3D-printed parts. For the Booster T1, check availability and how to obtain spare parts particularly carefully.
| Purchasing priority | What should you check before buying? | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Development access | Check the model and version, available SDK or API features, and the examples that go with them. | If you’re developing your own AI or movement algorithms, the interfaces and documentation need to match the version actually supplied. Around 33 per cent of consumers say development access is their main purchasing priority. |
| Safe operation | Request conformity documents and operating instructions for the exact configuration, and factor the room and intended use into your safety planning. | If you’re using the robot in a teaching or laboratory space, you’ll need suitable operating and safety plans. Around 27 per cent of consumers put safe operation in the intended space first. |
| Teaching and interaction | Check the course software, supported programming languages and required sensor access against a specific exercise. | For repeatable programming and interaction exercises, the software starting point needs to suit your course objectives. Around 20 per cent of consumers prioritise teaching and human-robot interaction. |
| Operation and support | Ask separately about compatible spare parts, repair options and any software, cloud, maintenance or training costs. | If a project needs support over an extended period, the availability of spare parts and access to repair support are important factors. Around 20 per cent of consumers put operation and support first. |
Common purchasing pitfalls
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Assuming the standard Unitree G1 is the same as the G1 EDU
Unitree states that the standard G1 does not support Secondary Development. If you want to develop your own software, you could end up buying a version that isn’t suitable.
Before placing your order, ask the seller to confirm the full EDU model name and the SDK and API features available for the exact configuration.
An unsuitable version could mean having to buy another one.
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Assuming the CE mark means it’s approved for every use
When employees use the robot, CE marking does not replace the risk assessment required under section 3 of the German Betriebssicherheitsverordnung (BetrSichV).
Include the planned movements, the people involved and the actual room conditions in your assessment. Set appropriate safety measures before use.
Depending on how you use the robot, you may need extra safety measures and additional organisational work.
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Assuming the Poppy kit is a complete system
The seller’s offer described here does not include 3D-printed parts, so making and assembling them needs to be part of your project plan.
Check the parts list and what’s included against your own manufacturing capabilities before choosing the offer.
You’ll need to factor in 3D-printed parts and the work involved in making them.
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Assuming a used T1 offer guarantees long-term availability
The offer described here is for a used demonstration unit, while another EU retailer lists the T1 as discontinued. Don’t assume it will remain available or that future supplies will be guaranteed.
Before signing a contract, get written confirmation of the unit’s condition, warranty, spare-parts arrangements and software maintenance.
Key brands at a glance
Unitree
G1 EDU is aimed at teams considering a larger bipedal platform for developing their own software.
- Unitree provides an SDK development guide.
- According to the manufacturer, the standard G1 does not support Secondary Development. Check the equipment and repair terms for the specific EDU variant.
ROBOTIS
OP3 is offered as a compact humanoid research platform, and the exact revision matters when choosing a model.
- ROBOTIS describes the 2025 relaunch as being developed for ROS2.
- An older guide is also available and covers ROS Kinetic. Check the revision against the software guide before setting up your robot.
Maxtronics / NAO
The NAO V6 on offer is designed for guided programming and human-robot interaction projects.
- Génération Robots lists Choregraphe, as well as Python and C++ SDKs.
- As a replacement battery is sold separately, be sure to check compatibility and clarify the long-term software and repair services available.
Poppy
Poppy Humanoid may suit teams whose learning or research project involves open construction and hardware customisation.
- The Poppy Project publishes open design and software resources.
- The German kit offer described here does not include 3D-printed parts, so you’ll need to plan for making and assembling them.
Booster Robotics
T1 is a development platform built around ROS2 and APIs. The German offer described here is for a used demonstration unit.
- Booster Robotics provides SDK and ROS2 resources.
- An EU retailer lists the T1 as discontinued. Check availability and long-term spare-parts supply before buying.
Humanoid platforms at Joybuy
The Joybuy offers below are for humanoid development and learning projects. Interfaces, equipment and limitations vary by model and version, so check them before buying.
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Booster Robotics K1 Geek, 22 DoF, 48 TOPS AI
For development and AI projects; the product description mentions programming and experimenting with AI algorithms.
Product title: 22 DoF and 48 TOPS AI. The description lists software APIs and development tools.
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Booster Robotics K1 Edu, 22 DoF, 117 TOPS AI
For education and research projects involving the development of custom software and AI tasks.
Product title: 22 DoF and 117 TOPS AI. The description lists software APIs and development tools.
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Unitree R1 Air, 20 DoF
The product description lists development and education projects, as well as AI interaction, as possible uses.
Product title: monocular camera, 20 DoF and AI Voice Model. The product warning advises against operating the robot near stairs, edges or uneven surfaces, and warns against getting hands, hair or loose clothing near moving joints.
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Unitree R1, 26 DoF
For development, education and interaction projects; the product description presents it as a platform for development and education.
Product title: dual cameras and 26 DoF. The product details also list binocular cameras and 3D depth sensors. The product warning advises keeping clear of the immediate swing area during start-up or rapid movements, and not forcing powered joints by hand.
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Unitree G1
For projects focused on dynamic movement and interacting with objects; the product description states that this version does not include SDK or API access.
The product description also states that further development or custom modifications are not available for this version.
Frequently asked questions
Which conformity rules apply to machinery first placed on the EU market before 20 January 2027?
According to the European Commission, machinery first placed on the EU market before 20 January 2027 must comply with Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. The Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 will become mandatory from that date. You’ll need to check whether the documentation is sufficient for the specific robot configuration.
Is a CE mark enough for exercises in a university laboratory?
No, if employees use the robot as work equipment: section 3 of the German Betriebssicherheitsverordnung (BetrSichV) requires a risk assessment and suitable safety measures before use. The German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health also points out that CE marking is not a safety certification mark. Supervision, clearances and operating limits need to be determined based on the specific configuration and how the space is used.
What should I consider when setting up and maintaining the robot?
First, make sure the software guides match the revision you’re actually receiving. For OP3, there are instructions for both the ROS2-focused relaunch and older ROS Kinetic versions. For repairs, ROBOTIS directs buyers to the distributor they purchased the product from, so check the local process in advance.
Which ongoing costs should I include in an enquiry?
Ask separately about replacement batteries and compatible chargers, repairs, maintenance, training, and any software or cloud fees. A replacement battery for NAO is sold separately, while the Poppy kit described here does not include 3D-printed parts. Check what’s included and what ongoing services are available for the exact configuration.