A humanoid robot is only worth considering as a long-term purchasing option for flexible picking, sorting or assembly tasks once a clearly defined pilot has tested the specific process using the relevant parts, gripper and workstation. Before it is used as work equipment, you must also clarify the risk assessment and protective measures. For a machine, check the conformity and CE marking of the specific configuration.
When parts vary, what matters is whether the system can handle the specific picking, sorting or assembly process, rather than just a single demonstration task. Fraunhofer IPA and Dögel GmbH describe aspects of these tasks and their technical requirements.
Here, the key question is how staff, routes, grippers and existing machinery will work together in the intended area. The German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) explains how to carry out a risk assessment and identify appropriate protective measures.
After the pilot, businesses need to assess integration, support and the proposed contract model against the same task. Fraunhofer IPA also lists peripheral equipment and charging infrastructure as components of a humanoid robot system.
Start by defining the task and the different parts involved. Then check safety and integration, and clarify what is included and what support is available for ongoing operation.
| Need | What to check before buying | Who is it relevant to? |
|---|---|---|
| Handling different parts | Test the gripper and different parts during the pilot. Assess the stated payload only for the specific model and configuration. | If you want the robot to pick up or assemble different parts, you’ll need to test it with the actual parts and gripping points. Around 29% of consumers put handling performance first. |
| Safety and conformity | Check the risk assessment, the protective measures required and the documentation for the specific system configuration. | If you plan to have staff and a robot working in the same area, you must clarify the protective measures for that exact workspace. Around 29% of consumers prioritise safety and conformity. |
| Integration with the workstation and material flow | Check the robot’s movement, reach, handover points and interfaces against the existing setup. | If you want to integrate a robot into an existing process, consider routes and handover points in the workplace. Around 24% of consumers put integration first. |
| Operating costs and support | Compare what is included, maintenance, spare parts, service and responsibilities for the same task. | If you plan to use the robot long term after the pilot, you’ll need clarity on support and what’s included. Around 18% of consumers prioritise operating costs and support. |
According to Dögel GmbH, the end effector is not included with the AgiBot G2 offered in Germany. Without a suitably selected gripper, you can’t fully assess whether it will handle the intended task.
Ask for the gripper, parts and required integration as one complete configuration, and test them together during the pilot.
Choosing and integrating a separate end effector means extra coordination and testing.
AGIBOT’s reported G2 deployment involved specific test stations in a Chinese production environment; BMW describes the AEON in Leipzig as a pilot. Neither automatically proves suitability for another business.
Before planning long-term use, ask for results using your parts, variations and operating conditions.
Further trials and process adjustments may be needed if your parts or working conditions differ from those in the tested application.
A robot on its own won’t necessarily cover the entire process. Grippers, peripheral equipment and charging infrastructure may also form part of the system configuration.
Compare offers on the same basis for supply, integration and service, and clarify who is responsible for each component.
Extra coordination may be needed if grippers, peripheral equipment, maintenance and support have to be arranged separately.
Unitree lists differences between the G1 and G1 EDU, including arm payload and optional equipment. So a Joybuy listing for the standard G1 doesn’t confirm that it’s the EDU version.
Check the full model name, specification and development access you need, rather than just matching the product family.
The G2 is offered through a German supplier and integrator as a humanoid platform for industrial applications.
NEURA Robotics describes the 4NE1 as available in different configurations for industrial processes.
Mercedes-Benz is testing Apollo in a production environment in Berlin; Apptronik describes different configurations for Apollo 2.
BMW is evaluating AEON in a pilot project at its Leipzig plant for applications in a production environment.
The G1 and G1 EDU are separate configurations, so the specific model variant matters when choosing.
The following Joybuy listings include humanoid platforms for technical evaluation or a development pilot. Product information is no substitute for testing with the intended parts or carrying out a risk assessment and conformity check for the specific configuration.
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Described as a development platform, this listing may be suitable for technical evaluation, but it doesn’t prove the robot is suitable for a long-term production process.
As stated in the product name: 48 TOPS AI and 22-DoF.
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This listing describes an education, research and development platform. Check whether this focus suits your planned pilot rather than treating it as proof of suitability for long-term industrial use.
As stated in the product name: 117 TOPS AI and 22-DoF.
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The listing title mentions autonomous navigation and development features. Test these in the intended workspace and process before relying on them for your own task.
The product description gives a payload of up to 3 kg in certain postures and up to 1 kg throughout the full range of motion, in both cases without an end effector.
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The listing describes the model as a humanoid robot. Before a pilot, clarify which parts, grippers and processes you want to test with the specific configuration.
The product description gives a payload of up to 3 kg in certain postures and up to 1 kg throughout the full range of motion, in both cases without an end effector.
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The listing title mentions hands for object manipulation. For a development pilot, note that the same title says SDK/API is currently unavailable for this version.
Check in advance whether the development access you need and integration with your process are possible.
Specify the parts, variations, handover points and intended workspace, then test the complete process, including the gripper and peripheral equipment. A demonstration or deployment at another factory doesn’t automatically prove that the process will work long term under your conditions.
No. According to Dögel GmbH, the G2 base unit is offered without an end effector; the gripper must be selected separately. You should test whether it suits your parts as part of the specific process.
As well as the robot, consider the parts, peripheral equipment and charging infrastructure; Fraunhofer IPA lists these as components to consider when assessing a humanoid robot system. For picking tasks, you should also clarify which end effector is needed and who will handle integration and support.
No. Before using it as work equipment, you need a risk assessment for the intended area of use, with protective measures based on its findings. The BAuA also explains that machinery must meet the requirements of the 9. ProdSV when it is made available. Check the conformity of the specific system configuration and the relevant date.
According to the BAuA, the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC continues to apply to machinery placed on the market up to and including 19 January 2027. From 20 January 2027, Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 applies. The relevant factors are the actual date the machine is made available and the specific system configuration.