Choose a platform to suit the experiment you have planned. For software and perception projects, make sure you can access the control and sensor data you need, and that the software version is right for your work. For gait and whole-body research, the robot model, test area and supervision arrangements must all suit your setup. Before ordering, check the specification of the exact variant, the required conformity documents, and who is responsible for data protection, integration and servicing.
If you’re developing control or AI code, check whether the exact variant gives you access to the interfaces you need. Unitree Robotics documents SDK2 for G1-EDU configurations; ROBOTIS describes the 2025 re-release of OP3 as developed for ROS 2.
For experiments involving movement, balance or manipulation, the robot’s dimensions and control options must suit your planned test setup. PAL Robotics lists TALOS as 175 cm tall and weighing 95 kg.
For projects involving images, speech or interaction, the sensors on the variant you order and your access to their data are crucial. If recordings include people, your team should also clarify the intended data flows and how the data will be processed as part of the project.
Compare platforms against your project’s main objective: development access, movement, perception or reliable day-to-day lab operation.
| Priority | What to check before buying | Who should prioritise this? |
|---|---|---|
| Development access | Ask the supplier to confirm the exact model and variant, SDK/API, ROS version and support for your own code. | If we’re developing our own control or AI software, we need access to the right commands and data. Around 31% of consumers prioritise development access on their specific variant. |
| Movement and test setup | Plan the movement task, dimensions, control access, test area and required supervision together. BAuA describes risk assessment as an employer’s duty for workplaces. | For gait and whole-body experiments, the robot and test area must suit the planned setup. Around 25% of consumers put movement and test setup first. |
| Sensors and data processing | Check the cameras, microphones and accessible data streams for each variant. For personal data, check the legal basis and, where relevant, any transfers outside the EEA. The European Commission and the European Data Protection Board set out the applicable conditions. | If we’re researching perception or interaction, we need the right image or audio data and a suitable way to process it. Around 25% of consumers prioritise sensors and data processing. |
| Integration and operation | Clarify what’s included in the delivery, training, responsibility for integration, spare parts arrangements, response times and warranty handling in the specific quotation. | For regular lab experiments, responsibilities for setup, faults and spare parts need to be clear. Around 19% of consumers focus on integration and service. |
Unitree documents different G1-EDU configurations and various specifications across the R1 variants. So, a shared family name does not prove that every version on offer provides the same access or components.
Ask the supplier to confirm in writing the full variant name and the control and sensor access you need for the specific product on offer.
PAL Robotics provides simulation information for TALOS, but lists additional software as premium software. The availability of a model alone therefore doesn’t tell you which programmes are included in the offer.
Ask for the simulation version, robot model and included software for the specific variant to be listed.
RBTX directs customers to partners in its network if integration is needed. United Robotics Group’s support route applies to the company’s supported product ranges.
Make sure the offer specifies the contracting party, the model variant covered, responsibility for spare parts and the agreed services.
The R1 and G1 families offer a range of specifications for compact humanoid development experiments.
The compact OP3 platform for technically supported research into humanoid software and movement.
TALOS for research into full-size bipedal movement and manipulation.
The NAO ecosystem for university interaction and software projects, particularly if you already have experience with NAO.
The product options below are for humanoid development, perception and movement projects. For the specific system, check the CE marking, manufacturer information, German-language user manual with instructions for use and warnings, and declaration of conformity. The product description alone does not confirm that these documents are available.
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For teams comparing humanoid platforms for their own development work and movement experiments.
Listed in the product name: 48 TOPS and 22 DoF.
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An option for research teams considering a development platform described as an EDU model.
Listed in the product name: 117 TOPS and 22 DoF.
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For teams considering a humanoid platform for development, perception and movement projects.
The product description lists the X2 Ultra as having 31 DoF, an Orin-NX computing board, an RGB-D camera and LiDAR, and a weight of around 37 kg. It states that operation should be supervised and that a safe distance should be maintained during autonomous operation.
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A compact platform option for teams comparing visual perception and movement projects.
Listed in the product name: monocular camera and 20 DoF.
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An option for teams looking to combine visual perception with movement or interaction experiments.
Listed in the product name: two cameras and 26 DoF.
No, that statement alone isn’t enough. Check the robot model, variant, ROS version and packages provided against your code. ROBOTIS specifically describes the 2025 re-release of OP3 as developed for ROS 2; this does not mean that other versions are automatically compatible.
Plan the test area, supervision and safety measures to suit the specific movement, and involve the relevant health and safety team. BAuA describes risk assessment as an employer’s duty for workplaces; this does not establish a general safe distance for any particular robot model.
No, not just because the recordings are part of a research project. Projects processing personal data need an appropriate legal basis. If an external processor is involved, check the contractual obligations; for transfers outside the EEA, also check the applicable requirements. Whether a robot uses a cloud service depends on the specific setup.
United Robotics Group offers a support route for NAO, as well as a way to make enquiries about spare parts and maintenance. RBTX says it can recommend a partner from its network if integration is needed; this does not mean the marketplace itself will integrate every humanoid robot. The scope of the service and response times should be included in the specific offer.
For the specific system, check the CE marking, manufacturer information, a German-language user manual with instructions for use and warnings, and the declaration of conformity. Germany’s Federal Network Agency lists these points in connection with its market surveillance. A general product description or SDK manual is no substitute for checking the documents for the specific system.