Start by choosing a platform that suits the task: different systems are better suited to bipedal locomotion trials, compact teaching exercises and mobile manipulation. Then check the development access and sensors available on the specific variant, along with supervision, contract model and planned laboratory use. For work equipment, risk assessment should begin before selection and purchase; CE marking is no substitute for it.
For developing your own movement programmes, access to the required interfaces and the specific model variant are key. Unitree distinguishes between the standard G1 and EDU configurations for secondary development; its SDK documentation also lists EDU variants separately.
If sensor access, arms or software integration are your priorities, first establish whether bipedal walking is part of the task. Pollen Robotics documents ROS 2 Humble and a Python SDK for Reachy 2; the platform can also be fitted with an omnidirectional mobile base.
For regular use, setup, supervision and operation need to be manageable across multiple teaching cycles. Compare a specific purchase quote with the training, support and maintenance on offer, as well as possible alternatives to buying.
For universities, research laboratories and training teams, the key question is whether development access, type of movement and operating conditions suit the planned experiment or teaching session.
A good fit if: Students need to test movement control on a physical bipedal robot.
Consider: Development access and software versions vary by model and variant. Check that both suit the practical session you have planned.
A good fit if: The research question specifically calls for a walking, bipedal humanoid. PAL Robotics describes TALOS as a ROS-based walking platform.
Consider: Clarify space requirements, supervision and project-specific terms in the quote before proceeding.
A good fit if: Arms, perception or teleoperation matter more than bipedal locomotion; Reachy 2 can move on an omnidirectional base.
Consider: A mobile base does not provide a walking function; delivery and service terms must suit the specific quote.
| Purchasing priority | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Development access | Check the model identifier, supported SDK functions, ROS version and access to the movement data you need. | If I want to use my own control software for teaching or research, I need the right interfaces. Around 28% of consumers put development access first. |
| Sensors and design | Define the aim of your experiment, then check the sensors, arm configuration and data available on the specific variant. | For perception, walking or manipulation trials, the hardware must suit the research question. Around 22% of consumers prioritise this suitability for the task. |
| Safe laboratory operation | Plan a risk assessment for the task and setup, including installation and testing. | If people work within the robot’s movement area, I want to base protective measures on the actual setup. Around 17% of consumers put safe operation first. |
| Commissioning and support | Confirm the scope of delivery, training, support route, maintenance and spare parts terms in writing. | For recurring teaching sessions, I need reliable help with setup and ongoing operation. Around 17% of consumers prioritise support. |
| Operating model | Compare buying, leasing or a project-specific offer in terms of duration, included services and return conditions. | If use is tied to a teaching or research project, the contract term should match. Around 16% of consumers pay particular attention to the operating model. |
In Germany, the risk assessment for work equipment must reflect how it will actually be used. The Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health points out that setup and testing should be considered alongside normal operation; CE marking is not a safety inspection mark.
Unitree states that the standard G1 does not support secondary development and directs users to the EDU version for this.
Before ordering, ask for confirmation of the complete model identifier and the interfaces approved for your project.
Switching to a different variant later may mean checking the specifications again and doing additional integration work.
Reachy 2 is described as having an omnidirectional base, while PAL Robotics’ TALOS is designed as a walking biped.
Choose the type of movement based on your research question before comparing sensors or arms.
You would need a different platform for walking trials.
Terra Robotics states that the lease models it offers have a minimum term of three years; this is not a general market rule.
Compare the contract term, included services and return conditions with the actual duration of your project.
A longer contractual commitment may extend beyond the teaching or research project.
ROBOTIS documents a newer OP3 version developed for ROS 2; an older guide that is still available covers ROS Kinetic.
Check the hardware revision and supported ROS version against the documentation for the model on offer.
Teaching software may need to be adapted to the software version of the specific model.
The G1 and R1 EDU lines are worth considering for teaching and development when the variant on offer provides the development access you need.
TALOS is a walking, ROS-based research platform for laboratories with a suitable use case and the right infrastructure.
Reachy 2 is worth considering for interaction and bimanual manipulation, but not for bipedal walking trials.
OP3 is a small humanoid robot for teaching and research, with a documented ROS ecosystem.
The Joybuy products below are intended for practical development, teaching and research with humanoid platforms. Development access, features and potential limitations vary by model and variant.
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The product name states that it supports secondary development, making it relevant for your own development work. The product description recommends a clear operating area of at least 6 m × 6 m and warns against touching the robot while it is moving, as well as the risk of crushing at the joints.
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This model may be worth considering for movement or manipulation demonstrations; confirm in advance that this specific version provides the development access you need. The product description lists 29 degrees of freedom and force-controlled hands. It states that the product is not a toy and is unsuitable for anyone under 14.
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The product details describe a development platform for practical trials, including work on AI and movement. Specifications include 22 degrees of freedom and 48 TOPS.
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This education and research variant is worth considering for teaching and project work involving your own programming. The product details list access to APIs and development tools, as well as 22 degrees of freedom and 117 TOPS.
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The product details list secondary development, autonomous navigation and environmental perception as potential uses. The X2 Ultra version is listed with 31 degrees of freedom, LiDAR, an RGB-D camera and an Orin NX computing board. The description warns that sensors may not detect every obstacle and recommends supervised operation with a clearance of at least 2 m.
No. In Germany, Section 3 of the Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health requires a risk assessment before work equipment is used. The Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health makes clear that CE marking is not a safety inspection mark. Start the assessment before selecting and purchasing the equipment, and take the specific setup into account.
Consider setup, testing, transport, maintenance and fault-finding, as well as normal operation. The Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health also identifies the workplace, workflow and people affected as relevant factors; protective measures must suit the specific setup.
No. Unitree states that the standard G1 product sold through its shop does not support secondary development; the EDU version is intended for this. Then check whether the EDU sub-variant you order includes the SDK interfaces you need.
For the specific variant, ask about installation, training, the level of support, maintenance and spare parts. Terra Robotics lists training and maintenance as available or optional services for some of its offers; if you are leasing, also check that the term and return conditions match the length of your project.