If you want to develop your own motion control, first check that you have documented access to control commands and state data. For grasping and perception experiments, focus on the hand and sensor configuration actually included. Unitree documents SDK and ROS 2 access for the G1, while ROBOTIS OP3 and PAL Robotics TALOS offer different scales and are suited to different types of research. Integration, model variant and lab conditions remain key. A supervised rental can support a limited trial, but does not automatically allow you to make your own changes: TONEART’s German rental offer includes an operator and specialist staff, so you should agree programming rights and data access in the contract.
You develop control methods on real hardware and need access to actuators, state data and a suitable ROS or SDK environment. Unitree documents development access and ROS 2 communication for the G1; PAL Robotics describes TALOS as a research platform with torque control.
You’re planning experiments involving hands, cameras or other sensors, so you need to confirm the equipment and access to the relevant data for the specific model variant. Unitree offers different hand configurations for the G1 EDU, while PAL Robotics describes customisable head and gripper options for TALOS.
You need repeatable exercises, supervised commissioning and maintenance documentation—not just a movement that can be demonstrated. ROBOTIS provides documentation for the OP3 covering software, assembly and maintenance, among other topics.
Start by defining your research objective, then check that the specific configuration is a good fit for your software environment, lab operations and purchasing model.
| Requirement | What to check before buying | Who should pay particular attention |
|---|---|---|
| Development access | Check the SDK functions, ROS 2 version, available feedback data and permitted changes for the exact model variant. | If we’re developing our own control algorithms, we need access to the necessary commands and state data. Around 25% of consumers prioritise development access and software compatibility. |
| Motion experiments and scale | Define your control objective, required actuator data, fall scenario and lab space before you begin. | The system’s scale must suit our research question. A large model requires appropriately planned lab space and safe testing. Around 20% of consumers prioritise motion experiments and whole-body dynamics. |
| Grasping and perception | Ask for the model name, included hands and sensors, and available data and interfaces to be listed individually in the quote. | If we’re studying manipulation or perception, the required hands, sensors and data access must be included in the configuration we order. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this type of research. |
| Safe teaching activities | Plan a risk assessment, supervised commissioning, a protected area and training for the specific setup. | For practical sessions with rotating groups, we need repeatable procedures and protective measures suited to the test environment. Around 20% of consumers prioritise teaching activities that can be organised safely. |
| Maintenance and usage model | Clarify repair arrangements, spare-part availability and training. For a rental, also confirm programming rights and data access. | If our project is time-limited or will run over several semesters, planned support and appropriate access to the system matter. Around 15% of consumers prioritise continuity of operation or limited-term use. |
The exact model variant matters: German retailer MYBOTSHOP describes only the EDU variants as fully programmable, while Unitree documents different configurations.
Before ordering, ask for written confirmation of the full model name and the SDK functions you need.
Unitree offers EDU configurations with different hands and tactile sensors. Without the right equipment, your planned grasping experiment may require an additional purchase or a change to your research plan.
List the hands, sensors and required data access separately in the quote.
Missing equipment may mean additional purchases or having to redesign your experiment.
TONEART’s German rental offer allows operation only with an operator and specialist staff; this does not give you unrestricted access to the controls or hardware.
Agree testing times, programming rights, hardware access and data use in the contract beforehand.
Unitree lists tested ROS environments and notes that other distributions may require adjustments. The DGUV also highlights the residual risk of collision; an experimental camera is not automatically a safety measure.
Assess software integration and the safety plan separately for your intended setup.
Allow for integration work and protective measures suited to your lab environment.
The G1 EDU is worth considering if your team is looking for a humanoid platform with a documented SDK and ROS 2 communication.
The OP3 is a mini humanoid for teaching and research. ROBOTIS documents an open hardware and software architecture, as well as ROS 2 support.
TALOS is a ROS-based research platform offered on request for suitably equipped labs.
The Joybuy products listed here are humanoid platforms for development and education. Before choosing one, check that the specific model variant provides the control access, hands, sensors and data your experiment needs.
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Its positioning as an embodied AI development platform may appeal to teams looking for a humanoid development platform, but that alone does not confirm access to a particular SDK or ROS.
The product title lists 22-DoF and 48 TOPS AI.
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Its focus on education and research, along with the listed software APIs and development tools, makes this model worth considering for programmable tasks.
The product title lists 22-DoF and 117 TOPS AI. Check that the API functions and interfaces you need are compatible with your test environment.
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The listed camera may be useful for experiments involving a humanoid system and camera images; the product title does not confirm access to a particular SDK or API.
The product title lists a monocular camera and 20 degrees of freedom.
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Consider this only if your task does not require SDK/API access. The product title lists force-controlled hands, but no available SDK or API interfaces.
The lack of SDK/API access is a significant limitation if you’re developing your own control system.
No. Check that the messages and control functions you need, and your ROS distribution, are compatible with the specific platform. Unitree documents ROS 2 communication for the G1, lists tested environments and notes that other distributions may require adjustments.
If employees use the robot as work equipment, a risk assessment must be carried out before use, with protective measures put in place based on its findings. For your specific setup, assess factors including the area of movement, potential collisions, operating states and training. An experimental camera is not automatically a safety function. The Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the DGUV provide relevant guidance.
Only if the specific agreement allows the changes and data access you need. TONEART’s German rental offer is also aimed at research and education, but only provides supervised operation with an operator and specialist staff.
According to the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC will continue to apply to the placing of machinery on the market in Germany up to and including 19 January 2027. Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 will apply from 20 January 2027. The conformity documents required for a specific system and configuration must be checked on a case-by-case basis. Separately, you should consider the obligations that apply when the system is later operated as work equipment.
Clarify repair arrangements, spare parts, training and responsibilities for the planned duration of your project. ROBOTIS provides user maintenance documentation for the OP3, but this does not guarantee a particular spare-part delivery time or service commitment in Germany.