For a one-off appearance at an exhibition or in a showroom, a supported hire package is often the most straightforward place to start, provided it explicitly includes an operator, a prepared routine and on-site support. Buying may make more sense for regular, supervised demonstrations with your own staff. In either case, check the specific venue, the documentation for the model and how camera and microphone functions will be used before the event.
The key consideration isn’t just the appearance itself, but who will handle transport, operation and a repeatable demonstration routine.
If you’re planning just a short slot and don’t have your own robotics team, a supported hire package is worth considering. TONEART’s Unitree G1 event hire offer includes an operator and scene set-up; make sure the exact arrangements are confirmed for your booking.
Buying your own robot may be an option if you have a designated demonstration area, trained staff, and procedures in place for transport and charging. Make sure the technical specifications match the exact model variant on offer.
If you want to present without collecting visitors’ image or audio data, check in advance which sensor functions are needed and how other functions can be configured. Germany’s Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) points out that transmitting audio or images without people’s knowledge is prohibited.
The main difference between hiring and buying is who is responsible for operation. Supervised control and a prepared routine can be useful with either option; they are not alternatives to hiring or buying.
Best suited to: A one-off appearance where you need an operator on site and a prepared routine.
Consider: An operator, rehearsal, set-up and support are only included if they’re part of the specific package; you’ll still need to coordinate with the venue.
Best suited to: Regular demos, with trained staff available to prepare and supervise each demonstration.
Consider: Your team is responsible for transport, storage, charging plans, maintenance and checking the documentation for the exact model variant.
| Priority | What to check before arranging it | Who should pay particular attention |
|---|---|---|
| Safe operation | Agree the movement area and supervision arrangements with the venue; define responsibilities and a stop procedure. | If the robot will move in front of an audience, I need an agreed area that doesn’t obstruct emergency exits. Around 33% of buyers would put approval and safety first. |
| Supported demonstration | Confirm whether an operator, rehearsal and support during the demonstration are included. | For a one-off event, I don’t want to run the demonstration with a robotics team assembled from scratch. Support would be the top priority for around 27% of buyers. |
| Control and data protection | Check the operating set-up and sensor functions; if image or audio processing is planned, clarify the data flow and what information needs to be provided. | A short demo should remain controllable without collecting visitor data in the background. Around 20% of buyers would prioritise this control over additional interactive features. |
| Regular use | Confirm the dimensions when packed, weight, items included and charging process for the exact model variant. | If I use the robot regularly, my team needs to be able to transport, store and prepare it again. Owning and operating the robot would be the priority for around 20% of buyers. |
Being able to order a device doesn’t confirm how it will be operated on your stand, what documentation is available for the model variant on offer or whether the venue will approve it.
Before deciding, set out the model variant, accessories, set-up, operation, support and responsibilities in writing. If you’re buying, ask to see the CE marking, manufacturer’s details, German-language instructions with the required usage and safety warnings, and the declaration of conformity for the specific model.
The Bundesnetzagentur points out that transmitting audio or images without people’s knowledge is prohibited in Germany. Whether your planned demonstration processes personal data depends on which functions are activated and how the demonstration is actually run.
Limit the demonstration to the functions you need. If images or audio will be processed, clarify the data flow, who is responsible and what information visitors need before the event.
Unitree lists folded dimensions of 690 × 450 × 300 mm and a weight of approximately 35 kg for the G1+. These manufacturer specifications don’t automatically apply to a G1 Base or G1 Basic on offer.
Ask the supplier to confirm the packed dimensions, weight, battery, charger, controller and transport case for the specific variant you’ve chosen.
A moving demonstration needs to suit your stand and its audience. Messe Frankfurt’s technical guidelines cover matters including emergency exits and safety equipment; you’ll need to check which requirements apply at your specific venue.
Start with short, tested movement sequences and an operator present, then agree the planned movement area before the event.
The details below relate to the model variants named and can help you assess a specific offer; they don’t apply to every platform made by the brand.
The G1 is available from German retailers and through TONEART’s event hire offer. For a supported demonstration, check the model variant on offer and the operator services agreed.
For a one-off event, a supported hire package is a good place to start, provided it explicitly includes an operator, a prepared routine and support. Buying may be more suitable for regular use if you have staff who can handle transport, operation and testing.
Check the documentation for the exact electrical or radio-enabled model variant. The Bundesnetzagentur lists the CE marking, manufacturer’s details, German-language operating instructions with the required usage and safety warnings, and a declaration of conformity among the points to check.
According to the Bundesnetzagentur, transmitting audio or images without people’s knowledge is prohibited in Germany. If images or audio are to be processed during your specific demonstration, check which functions are active, who is responsible and what data protection requirements apply. The Bavarian Data Protection Authority (Bayerisches Landesamt für Datenschutzaufsicht) advises that information about video surveillance should be clear and easy to read.
Agree the movement area, supervision and demonstration routine in line with the requirements of the specific venue. For example, Messe Frankfurt’s guidelines cover emergency exits and safety equipment; they don’t establish one standard movement area for every exhibition stand.