For a one-off or occasional trade show, a supported hire or event service could be a good fit if you’d rather not manage transport, set-up and operation yourself. If you’re planning regular demonstrations, buying your own platform may make more sense, provided you can organise staffing, the running order and maintenance. In either case, check the documentation for the exact model variant, make sure the visitor area can be managed safely, and confirm which audio and image functions will actually be used before the event.
For a supported demonstration, the space needed for movement and the way the robot is operated must suit a stand open to the public. The German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) offers guidance on organising events safely, while Unitree Robotics advises keeping a sufficient safety distance from the R1.
If you plan to present content through speech, gestures or a screen, decide which audio and image functions you’ll actually use. PAL Robotics describes these features for ARI; the specific data processing will depend on the configuration and how it is used.
For a time-limited event, a package that includes an introduction and technical support could be an option. One German supplier advertises Unitree robot hire for events; PAL Robotics also lists services including hire, set-up assistance and training.
Start by deciding what kind of interaction you want to demonstrate and who will operate the robot during the presentation. The percentages show the top priority chosen by consumers considering this particular purchasing decision.
| Priority | What to check before buying | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Safe, supervised demonstrations | Check the movement sequence, operator position, stop function and venue requirements for the specific model variant. | If I’m planning demonstrations involving movement in front of an audience, I need a controlled set-up and a suitable visitor area. Around 33% of consumers put safe visitor management first. |
| Visitor engagement and control | Ask for a demonstration of the language, gestures and content available with the model variant on offer; check whether image or audio data is recorded or transmitted. | If I want to show interaction rather than a set movement demo, controllable content and a clear operating plan are essential. Around 27% of consumers prioritise interactive visitor engagement. |
| Transport and set-up | Allow for the weight of the specific model variant, dimensions with accessories, charging arrangements and on-site set-up. | If my team has to transport and set up the robot at the venue, I want to be able to plan transport and demonstration times reliably. Around 20% of consumers prioritise straightforward event logistics. |
| Purchasing and support | For the same scope of use, confirm in writing who is responsible for the operator, briefing, transport, technical support and contingency arrangements. | If I’m planning a one-off event or don’t have my own operator, it matters to me who handles set-up and operation. Around 20% of consumers prioritise a suitable support and purchasing option. |
For relevant electrical or radio functions, the German Federal Network Agency lists points to check including correct CE marking, manufacturer details, a German-language instruction manual and the appropriate declaration of conformity. For image and audio functions, you should also establish whether data is recorded or transmitted: the agency warns about products that can transmit sound or images without being noticed.
A product description does not confirm that the supplied model variant comes with the necessary documentation, or that the planned demonstration area can be managed safely.
Before committing, ask for confirmation of the exact model variant, relevant documentation, the person responsible for operating it and the conditions for the demonstration.
Manufacturers and service providers offer different levels of support with set-up, training and operation. The device price and hire fee alone may not cover the same scope of use.
For the same event and demonstration, ask for a breakdown showing who handles transport, set-up, briefing, operation and technical issues.
Transport, set-up, support or technical assistance can all add to the organisational workload.
The Unitree G1 and R1 are different humanoid platforms that you could assess for demonstrations involving movement. One German supplier advertises G1 hire for events.
PAL Robotics presents ARI as a social humanoid robot for engaging with customers and presenting content, and also offers support and hire services.
The manufacturer presents T1 as a development platform. If you want to use it to engage with visitors, you should plan for a technically supported demonstration.
The products below are humanoid platforms for demonstrations involving movement or interaction. Before using one in a public setting, check the documentation for the specific variant, its functions and data flows, and the supervision required.
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This platform could be worth considering for a supported demonstration featuring movement control and interaction.
Features listed include rich motion control, intelligent interaction and single-person operation.
Before use, check the documentation for the specific variant and which audio or image functions will actually be used.
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This variant could be considered for a supported presentation featuring image and speech functions; first check which functions will be active at the venue.
The product name specifies two cameras, an AI speech model and 26 degrees of freedom; the colour variant is blue and white.
Unitree Robotics requires a sufficient safety distance for the R1. The presence of cameras or microphones does not guarantee a particular quality of interaction or permission to record visitors.
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This variant could be considered for a supervised demonstration featuring speech and movement, provided the planned venue is suitable for its stated use.
The product name specifies a monocular camera, an AI speech model and 20 degrees of freedom; the colour variant is red and gold.
The product guidance rules out use near stairs, edges or uneven surfaces and warns of a trapping hazard around moving joints.
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The G1 could be considered for a rehearsed movement sequence; Unitree Robotics documents a remote control for movement demonstrations.
According to the product name, SDK/API is currently unavailable for this version.
The product guidance rules out use by anyone under 14 and calls for particular care during demonstrations near children.
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This platform could be considered for a supervised presentation using the remote control; first decide which functions will actually be used.
The product name specifies motion control, autonomous navigation, obstacle avoidance and beyond-line-of-sight remote control.
The product description requires a distance of at least 2 m and supervision during autonomous operation. It also notes limitations in obstacle detection.
The presence of a camera alone doesn’t mean you can record visitors. Whether personal image data is processed, and what information or conditions apply, depends on the actual configuration and how it’s used. The German Data Protection Conference explains the requirements for video surveillance; the German Federal Network Agency separately warns about devices that can transmit recordings wirelessly without being noticed.
For the specific configuration, check the CE marking, clear product and manufacturer details, a German-language instruction manual with the required warnings, and the appropriate declaration of conformity. The German Federal Network Agency lists these as checks to make; a general product description is no substitute for the documentation.
Rehearse the planned movements with trained staff at the actual venue, and organise the visitor area accordingly. Unitree Robotics documents a remote control for movement demonstrations with the G1 and recommends a protective support for daily demonstrations; for the R1, the manufacturer requires a sufficient safety distance.
For a one-off event, or if you don’t have your own staff to operate and set up the robot, a package with an agreed operator or technical support could be a good fit. Compare the same scope of service, including transport, set-up, briefing and contingency arrangements, rather than comparing only the device price with the hire fee.
No. According to EUR-Lex, it will largely replace the Machinery Directive from 20 January 2027. The product regulations currently in force that apply to a specific robot configuration must be checked against its functions and documentation; the forthcoming regulation does not amount to a blanket approval or ban on demonstrations.