If students are expected to develop their own control software, a research platform is only suitable if access to its interfaces and sensors has been confirmed for the specific delivery configuration. A compact educational humanoid can work well for repeatable programming and sensor exercises. For a short, supervised project, rental is another option, provided the agreement allows the required modifications. Before the robot is used in the lab, the university and the relevant specialists must also assess the safety of the actual experimental setup.
If you’re developing your own movement, perception or control software for humanoid hardware, you’ll need documented interfaces and a clear system configuration. Unitree describes development features for G1, while ROBOTIS documents ROS packages for OP3. The key question is which access applies to the model you’re actually buying.
For recurring exercises in programming, cameras and sensors, it’s important to know whether the tasks and support are suitable for the version being delivered. Suppliers such as Terra Robotics describe the compact UBTECH Yanshee as a good fit for this type of learning project.
If you only need a humanoid for a specific teaching or research period, supervised rental is worth considering. TONEART also offers robot rental for research and education; any permitted software modifications should be set out in the specific agreement.
A good choice if: The project involves developing your own control or perception software, or ROS-based systems.
Things to weigh up: ROBOTIS documents OP3’s ROS 2 focus, while Unitree describes development features for G1. However, usable access still depends on the model and delivery configuration. Dynamic experiments also call for more extensive safety planning.
A good choice if: The focus is on repeatable exercises in programming, sensors and basic movement.
Things to weigh up: If a project specifically requires a larger humanoid platform or different mechanical capabilities, you’ll need to check that the project scope is a good match.
A good choice if: You only need the platform for a short teaching or project period.
Things to weigh up: Supervision alone doesn’t mean you can run your own control software; the permitted level of access and hire period must be agreed in the contract.
| Criterion | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Your own software | Confirm in writing the SDK and API rights, as well as access to sensor and actuator data for the exact model variant; check that the ROS version you need is supported. | If I want to develop my own control or perception software, a pre-installed demo isn’t enough. This development access is likely to be the top priority for around 33% of buyers. |
| Repeatable teaching | Check the documentation, programming languages, training and options for running several devices during a course. | For my course, I need exercises that can be supported with different groups and repeated. Around 27% of buyers would prioritise reliable use in teaching. |
| Whole-body research | Define the movements required, the usable arms and hands, and the safety plan for the specific experiments. | If my team is studying whole-body movement or manipulation, the mechanical platform must suit the experimental design. This research requirement would be a priority for around 27% of buyers. |
| Short project duration | For rental, agree the hire period, supervision, permitted software modifications and responsibilities. | For a single project, I don’t want to organise the ongoing operation of a device. Around 13% of buyers might therefore choose short-term access as their first option. |
A listing for G1 Base doesn’t prove that this specific version includes the SDK access documented by Unitree.
Before ordering, get written confirmation of the SDK, API, sensor access, firmware and support for the full model and variant designation.
The German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) highlights collision risks for collaborative robot systems. The planned use also involves the space, task and any attachments.
Have a specialist assess the actual setup before it’s put into operation, and establish the supervision, protective measures and shutdown procedures required.
Risk assessments, documentation and protective measures require staff time and preparation.
An impressive movement demo doesn’t show which interfaces students are allowed to use or whether the hardware is suitable for the research task.
Start by defining the course exercises or experiments you have planned, then check them against the documented features of the specific variant.
A supervised rental offer doesn’t, by itself, tell you whether you can use your own control software or access sensor data.
If developing your own software is part of the learning objective, agree access to the software, testing time and responsibilities before signing the contract.
The G1 platform may suit projects involving the development of your own movement and control systems, provided the required features are accessible on the version you’re buying.
OP3 is a compact humanoid platform for projects that rely on documented robotics software.
Yanshee is a compact educational humanoid robot for programming and sensor exercises.
No. The German listing for G1 Base and the development documentation from Unitree Robotics don’t automatically refer to the same features. For the version you’re ordering, get written confirmation of the SDK, API, sensor access and firmware in particular.
Check the documentation for the specific platform and have a specialist assess the planned experimental setup. The German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) covers, among other things, collision risks for collaborative robot systems. The requirements in each case depend on the platform, setup and task.
Yes. If people and robots could come into contact during the planned experiment, potential collisions must be included in the assessment of that setup. The German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) identifies these risks for collaborative robot systems; suitable measures depend, among other things, on the movement mode, space and supervision.
For a short, supervised teaching or project period, rental can avoid the need to operate your own platform long term. TONEART offers supervision for research and education; the relevant contract must state whether students can run their own software and access data.
Allow for training, maintenance, spare parts, batteries, transport and experiment support. Planning lab work also involves assessing the specific setup and, where necessary, putting protective measures in place. The extent of this work depends on the platform and the movements planned.