For guided programming and interaction workshops, NAO V6’s visual programming environment makes it a good starting point. For university projects involving custom sensor, control and ROS2 development, open platforms such as Unitree G1 EDU or ROBOTIS OP3 may be more suitable. Alongside development access, the specific version on offer, technical support and safe operation in the intended space are all important considerations. Before ordering, educational institutions should check what is included, what support is available and which conformity documents apply to the system in question.
If you want to introduce movement sequences, sensors and programming logic in workshops, you’ll need a platform that’s easy to teach. Génération Robots lists the Choregraphe visual programming environment and Python and C++ SDKs for NAO V6. Teaching materials from Hochschule Hannover describe its use with learners with varying levels of experience.
If perception, motion control or ROS2 are learning objectives in their own right, documented interfaces and technical support become important. Unitree Robotics describes development options for G1, while ROBOTIS documents ROS2 and the OP3 architecture.
These teams need to consider the specific model alongside the room, supervision, training and operating procedures. Cameras, microphones and any external services should also be included in the planning if personal data is processed during teaching.
Start with the learning objective: a guided workshop has different software and support requirements from a laboratory project involving custom robot control. Then check the specific version and how it will be used before making a delivery date a fixed part of your teaching plan.
| Criterion | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Getting started with teaching | Check whether the version on offer includes visual programming, useful example projects and ways to progress to more advanced work. | If a group is meant to programme visible sequences in short workshops, I don’t want to start by setting up a research environment. Around 27% of buyers would make a guided introduction their top priority. |
| Open development | Check SDK and ROS2 access, as well as the sensor and actuator interfaces for the exact model version. | For a university project involving custom perception or control software, I need access to the relevant interfaces. Open development access would be the top priority for around 27% of buyers. |
| Safe operation | Check that the room and movement programme are suitable, and review the operating instructions, supervision and training requirements. For systems classified as machinery, also check the applicable conformity documents and CE marking. | If learners are going to demonstrate a moving humanoid, the activity needs to be supervised and manageable in the intended space. This would be the most important selection criterion for around 26% of buyers. |
| Delivery and support | Check that the version, delivery date and accessories are confirmed in writing, and find out what software, repair and spare-parts support is available. | If the robot is planned for several teaching sessions, I need a reliable delivery and support plan. Around 20% of buyers would put this predictability first. |
Under section 3 of the German Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health, published on the Gesetze im Internet website, a CE mark on work equipment does not replace a risk assessment. This applies to workplace use within the scope of the ordinance; the room, movement sequences and employees responsible for the equipment must also be considered.
Involve a suitably qualified person or department early on. For a product classified as machinery, check the applicable conformity documents and plan supervision, start and stop procedures, and how to respond to faults for the specific use case.
With development platforms, the equipment and software access available can depend on the version. The features of Unitree G1 EDU described by RobotShop Europe relate to the EU Standard U1 configuration, not automatically to every G1.
Make sure the quotation clearly specifies the model number, sensors, computer, development access and included accessories.
When checked, RobotShop Europe listed the G1 EDU Standard U1 as an on-demand item; the international ROBOTIS shop reported a temporary supply shortage for OP3. These details may change and do not guarantee a delivery date for an individual institution.
Before planning the course, ask for written confirmation of the delivery date and support arrangements, and have an alternative teaching activity ready for the first sessions.
If learners’ image, audio or usage data is processed, the data protection implications depend on the functions enabled and the data flows involved. The German Data Protection Conference covers web-based data processing in school lessons; its guidance is not blanket approval for any particular robot.
Check with your data protection officer which sensors and services will be used, where the data will go and which functions are necessary for the learning objective.
NAO V6 is a compact humanoid platform for guided programming and interaction exercises. Génération Robots lists Choregraphe, NAO Activities, and Python and C++ SDKs.
G1 EDU is designed for development projects. For the EU Standard U1 version, RobotShop Europe lists 23 degrees of freedom, 3D LiDAR, a depth camera and open SDK access. Unitree Robotics also documents development options including ROS2.
OP3 is a small humanoid platform for research and education. ROBOTIS documents its mechanics, electronics, software and ROS2 development.
No. A CE mark alone does not approve a humanoid robot for use in a specific room or activity. Where the German Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health applies to employees and work equipment, section 3 requires a risk assessment even for CE-marked equipment, according to Gesetze im Internet. Also check the applicable conformity documents and operating instructions for the specific system, particularly if it is classified as machinery.
For guided introductory workshops, a visual programming environment with options to progress to more advanced work is a natural choice. For NAO V6, Génération Robots lists Choregraphe, NAO Activities, and Python and C++ SDKs. Before ordering, check which software and learning materials are available for the version on offer.
Unitree G1 EDU is particularly worth considering when students are expected to develop their own sensor, perception or control software and technical support is available. RobotShop Europe describes the specification of the EU Standard U1 version, while Unitree Robotics documents SDK and ROS2 development options. The specification and plans for using the robot must match the version actually on offer.
Before using the robot in lessons, check what personal data the specific system processes, which services are involved and which functions can be switched off. The German Data Protection Conference’s guidance on web-based learning platforms highlights relevant issues for schools, but it does not replace checking the data flows and legal basis for the particular robot.
Only plan a fixed use once the delivery date has been confirmed in writing. ROBOTIS describes OP3 as an educational and research platform, but its international shop reported a temporary supply shortage. Ask the supplier to confirm the specific version, delivery date and support arrangements.