For regular greetings, set content and visitor guidance, a service or greeting robot may be the better fit. Pudu Robotics and UBTECH describe specific models with functions for reception, conversation or guiding visitors. A humanoid system is worth considering above all when its human-like presence is itself part of the concept, and dialogue, supervision, safety and data processing have been clarified for the complete model variant and your site.
If a human-like presence is to be part of a regular product presentation, it is important to check what the specific variant can actually do and who will look after it. Unitree Robotics distinguishes between the standard and EDU versions of the G1; for the G1 offered here, the manufacturer does not list support for secondary development.
For greeting visitors, providing information and handing them over to staff, a platform designed for reception and service may be better suited to the task than a development platform. Pudu Robotics positions KettyBot Pro for reception and promotional displays, while UBTECH describes Cruzr 1S as offering dialogue and visitor guidance.
If content changes regularly or visitors need to be guided to products, check the display, content management and navigation using your actual floor plan. Pudu Robotics lists customisable content and route planning for KettyBot Pro, but this does not confirm suitability for your specific site.
First, decide whether a human-like presence is actually part of the task. Then check the dialogue and content available on the specific variant, along with who is responsible for day-to-day operation.
| Priority | What to check before buying | Who particularly values this? |
|---|---|---|
| Greeting and dialogue | Ask for German test questions and response limitations to be demonstrated; check how the robot hands visitors over to staff. | If I want the robot to answer recurring questions, I need to see the specific language configuration and how it handles unusual cases. Around 25% of consumers put reliable greetings and suitable dialogue first. |
| Wayfinding and content | Check content on the actual display; test routes, narrow passages and blocked walkways at your site. | If visitors need to be guided to products, I want to assess routes and content using the actual floor plan. Around 25% of consumers prioritise wayfinding and showroom content that can be updated. |
| Safety and data protection | Assess pedestrian traffic and collision risks before putting the robot into operation; clarify how data is collected and stored, and how remote access works for the selected functions. | If people move around in the area where the robot is used, I need to clarify safety measures and how personal data is handled in advance. Around 31% of consumers put safe operation that minimises data collection first. |
| Support and contract | Compare support hours, updates, arrangements for downtime and training in writing. | If the robot is to operate regularly, I want to know who is responsible for set-up, maintenance and troubleshooting. Around 19% of consumers prioritise support and clearly agreed services. |
The ability to move does not in itself show that a system can answer regular visitor questions in German or hand unusual cases over to staff. According to the manufacturer, development access for Unitree depends on the model variant.
Before signing a contract, check and document the full model name, required languages, interfaces, questions and handover process.
Custom development, content editing and ongoing support can add to the organisational workload.
Manufacturer information about route planning does not automatically account for encounters with visitors, narrow passages or obstacles in your specific working environment. The DGUV highlights the risk of collisions when robots operate close to people.
Assess the planned route and potential collision scenarios at the actual site before operations begin.
Narrow passages and encounters may require changes to walkways and additional supervision.
The label alone does not establish who is responsible for set-up, day-to-day support, maintenance or troubleshooting.
Compare the services included, contract term, response process and responsibilities in the specific offer, rather than relying on the contract label alone.
Any maintenance, content changes or troubleshooting that have not been agreed will otherwise need to be arranged separately.
A humanoid G1 platform for projects where the body shape is part of the concept and adaptations are handled by specialists.
The manufacturer describes KettyBot Pro as a service platform for reception and retail, with a display and visitor guidance.
Cruzr 1S is described as a commercial service robot for providing information, guiding visitors and giving demonstrations.
A mobile service and telepresence platform for information and wayfinding tasks.
The manufacturer offers GreetingBot Nova for reception, tours and explanations.
This selection includes humanoid platforms, including development models. Before using a specific variant at reception, ask for its dialogue, German-language content, support and operation at your site to be demonstrated.
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Consider this for projects that involve a humanoid development platform and custom programming; this does not mean it comes with a ready-made reception dialogue.
48 TOPS; 22 DoF. The product description mentions AI development and programming.
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Consider this for education, research or development projects where custom software work is part of the intended use.
117 TOPS; 22 DoF. The product description mentions software APIs and development tools.
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Consider this for a concept involving voice-based interaction; ask for the required language and handover to staff to be demonstrated for the specific configuration.
26 DoF; two cameras; integrated AI language model according to the product title. The product description warns of collisions and recommends keeping a sufficient distance; it also mentions an emergency stop for erratic movements.
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Consider this only if a humanoid platform with voice-based interaction suits your concept; clarify the required configuration and supervision before use.
20 DoF; monocular camera; AI language model according to the product title. The product description warns that the camera does not provide privacy features and requires adult supervision; do not point the camera at private areas.
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Consider this only for projects where the humanoid presence itself is part of the concept and no subsequent SDK/API development is required.
The product title states that no SDK/API is available; the product description rules out subsequent development modifications or customisation. It also warns about stairs, edges, uneven surfaces and the risk of crushing or trapping at moving joints.
Ask for recurring questions, background noise, content changes and handover to staff to be demonstrated for the complete model variant at your planned site. A manufacturer's description of a multilingual model does not confirm any particular German-language configuration.
Before putting it into operation, assess the specific environment, potential collisions and any necessary safety measures. The Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reminds employers to carry out a risk assessment for every workplace; the DGUV highlights the risk of collisions when robots operate close to people.
Having sensors does not in itself permit recording. If identifiable images or conversations are to be processed, check the purpose, legal basis, information provided to the people affected and the specific data flows. The guidance from the Data Protection Conference addresses video surveillance in particular, rather than every use of sensors in general.
Compare in writing whether set-up, programming, training, maintenance, software updates and troubleshooting are included. One provider promotes these services for both purchases and long-term leases; the specific offer and contract set out what is actually included.
No. According to EUR-Lex, Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 replaces the Machinery Directive only from 20 January 2027. The requirements that apply to a specific machine and at a particular time must be checked against the product and when it is placed on the market; CE marking does not replace a workplace risk assessment.