Choose a platform based on a clearly defined task and the gripper, perception and interface configuration it requires. A trial using your own parts, loads and cycle times will tell you more than a general demonstration. Decide whether to buy, hire or lease based on the development access and integration support your team needs. Before testing in the workplace, check the risk assessment and the relevant documentation for the configuration you’ll actually be using.
If you want to test gripping, transport and handovers between workstations, define the containers, routes and handover points for the trial. Fraunhofer IPA describes a material transport demonstrator, but this does not prove that it will work for your process or meet its cycle time.
If you’re working with changing parts or inspection features, you’ll need a clearly specified combination of hand, camera and software that you can assess using your own test data. For the ATOM Max, DOBOT describes features including hands, vision and an optional Embodied AI kit. You’ll need to confirm the specification for the exact variant.
If employees, workpieces and robots will share the same area, include the specific workplace and planned safety measures in your risk assessment. Under Section 3 of the German Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (BetrSichV), employers must assess risks before work equipment is used.
First, decide what the pilot needs to prove. Then compare the configuration required, access for development and the conditions for a limited trial.
| Consideration | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Evidence for the pilot task | Agree in advance on test parts, load including gripper and container, route, cycle time and success criteria. | If we’re testing material handovers, we need results for our parts and workflows, not a general demonstration. Around 31% of business buyers put measurable evidence of process performance first. |
| Workplace safety | Carry out a risk assessment covering the robot, work area, objects and potential faults; define safety measures for the specific configuration. | If employees and robots are due to share a work area, we want to clarify risks and safety measures before the trial. Around 25% of business buyers prioritise workplace safety. |
| Development and integration | Compare the model number, access to the SDK or API, hand and camera options, and any training and service commitments. | If we’re developing workflows ourselves or integrating with existing systems, we need reliable access to the complete configuration. Around 25% of business buyers put access for development and integration first. |
| Keeping the pilot commitment limited | Compare buying, hiring or leasing based on the term, returns, integration, training, maintenance and agreed support. | If we want to trial a task for a limited period first, the contract needs to set out services and responsibilities clearly. Around 19% of business buyers prioritise a limited pilot commitment. |
Fraunhofer IPA describes example studies and a material transport demonstrator. This doesn’t prove that a system can handle your loads, cycle times and operating conditions.
Before buying, agree an acceptance test for a clearly defined process, including test objects, success criteria and repeat runs.
Adjustments and repeated trials can add to integration work.
The German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) points out that CE marking is not an independent safety certification mark. The risk assessment for the actual workplace is a separate matter.
Check the documentation for the complete configuration and define safety measures for the specific pilot area.
A safety plan may require changes to the work area and additional coordination within your organisation.
Unitree distinguishes between the G1 and G1 EDU, while DOBOT notes that development tools are optional for the ATOM Max. Models in the same product range aren’t guaranteed to come with the same specification.
Check the full model number, hand, software access and accessories against the quote and supporting documentation.
Missing grippers, development options or integration services can mean extra project work.
The G1 range includes different configurations, which should be carefully distinguished when planning development trials.
The ATOM range may be worth considering when comparing manipulation and development options for a clearly defined task.
The manufacturer offers 4NE1 in different versions for industrial workflows.
Agile ONE is positioned as a humanoid platform for tasks between workstations.
UBTECH positions Walker S as an industrial humanoid platform for manufacturing workflows involving navigation and manipulation.
The following Joybuy listings include humanoid platforms described as suitable for development or trial use. Their suitability for an industrial workplace and the documentation for the specific configuration must be checked separately.
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A candidate for early technical development trials. The product listing specifies 29 degrees of freedom, but makes no claims about payload, cycle time or workplace safety.
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For technical development trials with a humanoid platform. The product name specifies 48 TOPS and 22 degrees of freedom, but this doesn’t indicate how it will perform in a process.
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For technical research and development trials. The product name specifies 117 TOPS and 22 degrees of freedom, but this doesn’t indicate whether it’s suitable for a particular workplace.
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The product description lists navigation, LiDAR, RGB-D cameras and secondary development as features for a technical trial set-up. It gives a maximum payload of 1 kg across the full range of motion without an end effector; up to 3 kg is possible only in certain postures.
The description warns that LiDAR and cameras may not detect transparent surfaces, thin objects or sudden edges. It requires supervised operation and a clear work area; bear these warnings in mind before every trial.
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For early sensor-related development trials. The product name specifies a monocular camera and 20 degrees of freedom, but doesn’t indicate whether it’s suitable for a particular inspection process.
The product description warns against operating near stairs, edges or uneven surfaces, and highlights the risk posed by moving joints. Take these limitations into account when planning the test area.
Start with a clearly described handover, gripping or inspection task, and define the test objects, routes, loads, cycle time and success criteria. Fraunhofer IPA has carried out example studies on material transport, order picking and assembly; its material transport demonstrator doesn’t prove suitability for other workplaces.
No. The German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) distinguishes CE marking from an independent safety certification mark. Under Section 3 of the German Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (BetrSichV), employers must assess risks before use and identify suitable safety measures. The specific working environment and workpieces must be included in that assessment.
For the configuration quoted, clarify the applicable legal classification and ask to see the relevant conformity documentation, operating information and details of limitations and risks. Include any gripper changes and interaction with other machines in your assessment. The obligations that apply to the complete assembly will depend on its specific set-up. Your workplace risk assessment remains a separate requirement.
Under the relevant legal framework, the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC still applies to the placing of machinery on the market on 19 October 2026. According to the German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA), the Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 only applies from 20 January 2027; it should therefore not be presented as the legislation already in force for a purchase made today.
Ask for clear details of training, responsibilities for programme changes, maintenance, fault resolution, support location and agreed response times. TRBS 1116 from the German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) sets out requirements for qualifications and instruction to ensure work equipment is used safely. A general promise of support doesn’t specify a service response time.