A humanoid pilot is worth considering if you want to test gripping and movement between existing workstations together. For a clearly defined loading or handover task, compare the same process with a fixed handling solution or an AMR plus robot arm. Fraunhofer IOSB emphasises assessing the specific use case. Before selecting or purchasing equipment, the employer must begin a risk assessment for the intended use (§ 3 BetrSichV).
If you want to test handling different parts or handing them over to existing machines, compare the gripping task and interfaces with those of a specialist robot arm. Agile Robots lists machine tending and pick-and-place among the intended tasks for Agile ONE.
If you need to combine transport and manipulation in one process, check whether you really need a humanoid system or whether an AMR with a robot arm could handle the transfer. NEURA Robotics describes a wheeled version of 4NE1 for industrial floors; SCHUNK has demonstrated an AMR and robot-arm combination for transport and machine loading.
If employees may work near the system during a test, first define a limited use case and a safety plan. Fraunhofer IOSB recommends assessing the potential benefits in the context of the specific scenario.
Suitable if: You want to test gripping and movement between existing workstations together. Agile Robots lists tasks including pick-and-place and machine tending for Agile ONE; NEURA Robotics describes a wheeled version of 4NE1.
Bear in mind: Manufacturers’ claims about tasks and versions do not prove how well a system will perform in your process or whether it is safe for your facility.
Suitable if: You want to automate a fixed handover or loading task. Also compare a fixed handling solution or an AMR plus robot arm; SCHUNK describes a demonstrated combination for transport and machine loading.
Bear in mind: Depending on the process, fixtures or process changes may be needed. A demonstration does not establish a general cost or safety advantage.
Suitable if: The benefits and limitations of human–robot interaction are still unclear. Start with a clearly defined task and a test area with clearly specified physical and organisational boundaries.
Bear in mind: A successful test does not automatically approve changing production processes or a shared workspace. Fraunhofer IOSB recommends assessing the specific scenario.
| Consideration | What to check before buying | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Gripping and machine tending | Variations in workpieces and tools; the range of grippers and interfaces needed for the complete machine cycle. | If workpieces need to be gripped and handed over at an existing machine, I want to check the entire process, including the gripper version. For around 29% of consumers, this task fit is the top priority. |
| Material transport | Movement system and handover points for the actual routes and distances between workstations. | If materials pass through several workstations, I want to test transport and handover as one process. Around 21% of consumers prioritise moving materials between workstations. |
| Health and safety | Risk assessment for the task and working environment; safety measures, operating modes and training. | If employees may work near the system during the pilot, I want to clarify the safety measures in advance. For around 29% of consumers, resolving safety requirements is the top priority. |
| Integration and support | Software access and interfaces; responsibilities for commissioning, training and fault handling. | If the system is to be integrated into existing processes, I want to know who will handle integration and support. Around 21% of consumers put this need first. |
Fixed solutions or an AMR with a robot arm may also be suitable for machine loading. What matters is the complete process, not the design alone.
Compare the options using the same workpieces, routes, handovers and fault scenarios.
Depending on the process, additional fixtures, interfaces or process changes may be needed.
The Unitree G1 family includes different EDU configurations. The G1 offer described on Joybuy currently lists SDK/API as unavailable, so the product name alone does not confirm that you’ll get the development access you need.
Before choosing a version, check the full model designation, the configuration included and the software access actually available.
If the access you need isn’t included, you may need a different model or package.
Safety measures depend on the actual task and working environment. CE marking does not replace the employer’s risk assessment.
Define the pilot area, operating modes, potential faults and responsibilities, then determine the necessary safety measures.
Agile Robots presents Agile ONE as designed for industrial material handling, gripping and machine-tending tasks, and cites AgileCore as an integration approach for its robotics portfolio.
NEURA Robotics describes 4NE1 in versions for different environments, including a wheeled model for industrial floors.
Unitree positions the G1-EDU family as a development platform; reichelt elektronik describes the EDU-U5 version as a commercial product.
UBTECH describes Walker S as an industrial humanoid and lists perception, teleoperation and a connection to a manufacturing management system.
The Joybuy offers below are humanoid robots for technical testing. Assess each model based on the version described and your specific pilot use case; the information does not constitute approval for use in a particular manufacturing facility.
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This development platform may suit a well-defined technical pilot; check that you’ll have access to the features your test actually requires.
The product name lists 22 degrees of freedom and 48 TOPS.
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For a navigation or secondary development pilot, confirm the features and software access available for this exact version.
The X2 Ultra is listed for supervised operation with a minimum distance of 2 m; the product information also warns that obstacles may not be detected.
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If you want to test motion control or operation by a single person, check in advance which features are included in the version on offer.
The product title lists motion control and operation by a single person.
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For a technical pilot involving visual perception and movement, define the full process and safety measures for the area of use.
The product name lists two cameras and 26 degrees of freedom. The product description warns of a direct swinging area and potential impact injuries; use the operating instructions to define how faults should be handled.
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The hand version listed in the product title may be relevant for manipulation tasks; before choosing, check that the software access suits your pilot.
SDK/API is listed as unavailable for this version, which limits development access.
No. For the planned use of equipment at work, the employer must assess the risks involved in the specific process and identify appropriate safety measures. CE marking does not replace this workplace risk assessment (§ 3 BetrSichV).
From 20 January 2027, Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 applies to placing machinery on the market; the previous 9. ProdSV will cease to apply at the end of 19 January 2027. The Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health explains this transition. The legally relevant event is what matters, not simply the date of an enquiry.
Describe the task and working environment, assess the risks and identify appropriate safety measures. Also check what training is required and whether installation or modifications call for an inspection before use; the precise requirements depend on the specific system. TRBS 1111 and TRBS 1116 cover risk assessment, qualifications and training.
Ask for software access, spare parts, maintenance, training and responsibilities for faults to be listed separately for the version on offer. A quote for the Unitree G1 EDU-U5 lists technical support and training as available services, with a maintenance contract available as an add-on; check which of these will actually be included in your project agreement.