Choose a humanoid platform based on your research objective: bipedal locomotion, mobile manipulation and human–robot interaction place different demands on the hardware and interfaces. Get written confirmation of access to control and sensor data for the exact variant, and clarify support and safety measures for your specific laboratory setup before purchase or commissioning.
Developing motion control for a bipedal robot requires actuator access suited to your experimental method, along with a properly secured test setup. Unitree Robotics documents access options for the G1-EDU; PAL Robotics describes joint torque control for TALOS.
Testing perception, grasping or interaction means matching cameras, hands, data access and the robot’s mode of movement to your experiment. For Reachy 2, Pollen Robotics documents Python and ROS 2 support, as well as an omnidirectional wheeled base.
Planning procurement, training, repairs and software maintenance across several project phases, rather than for a single demonstration. For a G1-EDU offer in Germany, Terra Robotics lists support and training options; the scope and duration should be set out in the specific quotation.
Best suited when: Locomotion or whole-body control is the focus, and the exact variant provides access to the control interfaces you need.
Trade-off: Unitree describes DDS and ROS 2 access for G1 EDU; the manufacturer excludes secondary development on the separately offered G1 base model. TALOS is a larger bipedal option; PAL Robotics lists its height as 175 cm and its weight as 95 kg.
Best suited when: Two arms, teleoperation, Python or ROS 2 for grasping and HRI trials matter more than bipedal walking.
Trade-off: Pollen Robotics describes Reachy 2 as having an omnidirectional wheeled base, which is not suitable for bipedal gait trials.
Best suited when: ROS packages, CAD resources and work on the hardware architecture are important to your research team.
Trade-off: ROBOTIS notes that THORMANG3 has a revised actuator generation, so the model generation and software version need to match. According to the documentation, the control PC and external power supplies are not included.
Best suited when: You choose a procurement option that matches the planned project duration and your need for support, maintenance or training.
Trade-off: Terra Robotics lists purchase, leasing and project enquiry options for G1 EDU; the scope, duration and return conditions should be confirmed for each offer. The research terms listed there for 1 to 30 September 2026 have expired.
| Requirement | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Control and development access | Check the approved motor and movement commands, ROS 2 integration, development computer and exact variant identification. | If we are developing our own control algorithms, we need access to the specific interfaces used in our trial. Around 33% of consumers with this as their main requirement prioritise development access. |
| Sensors, hands and mode of movement | For the specific configuration, check the cameras and sensor data, hands, joints and mode of movement. | If our experiment studies grasping, perception or gait, the hardware and data must suit the test setup. Around 25% of consumers prioritise the experimental hardware and data access. |
| Safe laboratory operation | For devices with wireless or network connectivity, check the documentation for the exact variant, including CE marking, the responsible economic operator in the EU and instructions for use in German. Assess the laboratory setup before commissioning. | If our team is using a moving robot in the lab, the safety measures must suit the actual work area. Around 25% of consumers prioritise a properly secured experimental setup. |
| Project support and duration | Compare written commitments on maintenance, spare parts, update access, data export and training, as well as the duration and scope of service. | If we are using the same platform across several project phases, we need predictable support and clear contractual terms. Around 17% of consumers prioritise project support. |
Unitree Robotics states that the separately offered G1 base model does not support secondary development. A similar model name alone does not confirm that the interfaces you need are available.
Make sure the quotation specifies the full variant identification and confirms access to the interfaces required for your trial.
Training, maintenance and technical support may depend on the specific offer or contract. According to ROBOTIS documentation, the control PC and external power supplies are not included with THORMANG3.
Before planning your project budget, confirm which components and support services are actually included.
Compare the package contents and support over the planned project period, and do not budget for services that have not been agreed.
Unitree describes development access for G1 EDU, but does not list computer PC1 as open to developers. A ROS 2 package alone also does not clarify which data can be exported or how updates might affect your trial.
Before signing a contract, confirm the planned development and data access for the exact variant.
G1-EDU variants are relevant for compact bipedal development trials.
Pollen Robotics positions Reachy 2 for research involving mobile manipulation and interaction.
PAL Robotics describes TALOS as a larger bipedal research platform for movement and manipulation trials.
THORMANG3 may interest teams looking to review published ROS and hardware documentation.
The following Joybuy listings are for humanoid robots intended for development and research. Interfaces, equipment and variants differ, so check that the model is suitable for your trial and review the documentation for the specific configuration.
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Described as suitable for development and education; the product name states that it supports secondary development.
The product description recommends a clear area of at least 6 m × 6 m for large movements.
The description advises against touching the robot while it is moving, and prohibits unauthorised modifications, disassembly or repairs.
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Described as suitable for AI development and experiments; listed applications include computer vision and autonomous navigation.
Specifications include 22 DoF and 48 TOPS AI.
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Described as suitable for research and development; the product description lists bipedal locomotion and software APIs.
Specifications include 22 DoF and 117 TOPS AI.
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Described as suitable for development work involving perception data; the product details list LiDAR and an RGB-D camera.
The Ultra version is listed as having 31 DoF. The safety information notes high-torque moving joints and recommends supervised operation with a minimum distance of 2 m; this does not replace a risk assessment of your specific laboratory setup.
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Described as suitable for development and education; the product details list visual perception and interaction.
Specifications include 26 DoF and two cameras. The safety information calls for keeping clear of the immediate movement area during start-up and fast movements.
No. Check that the motor, sensor and ROS 2 interfaces you need are available on the exact variant. Unitree Robotics describes an accessible development computer, PC2, for G1 EDU, but not unrestricted developer access to PC1; the manufacturer excludes secondary development on the separately offered G1 base model.
For the documented G1 development process, Unitree Robotics recommends starting with a secure fixture and warns against conflicting movement commands during debugging. Do not take this as general approval of your laboratory setup: hazards and safety measures must be assessed for the specific trial.
Make sure training, repairs, spare parts, maintenance, software support and points of contact are specified for the exact variant and contract period. For a G1-EDU offer in Germany, Terra Robotics lists a maintenance contract and training as options; the offer page alone does not set out all the support terms.
For the specific wireless or network-connected configuration, check the relevant documentation covering CE marking, the responsible economic operator in the EU and instructions for use in German. The German Federal Network Agency identifies these as relevant market requirements for electrical and electronic equipment; whether CE marking is required by law depends on the product. For workplaces with employees, North Rhine-Westphalia’s occupational safety authorities require a risk assessment of the actual working conditions. A product marking or retailer’s offer alone does not confirm that your specific experimental setup is safe.