If you’re still working out the task and what development is needed, a practical demonstration or training session is a sensible first step. If you have a clearly defined process but lack in-house integration expertise, a supported trial may be more appropriate. Only assess a purchase once the configuration, interfaces and documentation for the specific unit have been confirmed. Risk assessment should begin before you select or buy the robot.
If you’re still working out a potential process, you can get hands-on with the robot and learn about its limitations before planning a trial at your site or deciding whether to buy. EF Robotics offers training for this purpose, but training does not replace an assessment of your own workplace.
If you want to investigate a specific transport or handling task, plan the test set-up, integration and workplace safety measures for your particular site. The Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) notes that a sample risk assessment does not replace an on-site assessment.
If you want to test your own control or perception software, check the exact G1 version and the interfaces available for it. Unitree Robotics distinguishes between the G1 and G1 EDU in its manufacturer information; the name ‘G1’ alone does not confirm access for development.
A good fit if: You want to familiarise yourself with the G1 and narrow down a potential use case before choosing a unit for your own business.
Consider: A demonstration or training session does not prove that the configuration and safety measures are right for your workplace.
A good fit if: The task and stop criteria are defined, but your team needs support with operation, integration or setting up the trial.
Consider: Agree the duration, support, set-up and responsibilities with the supplier. A rental offer for a longer term is not automatically a short-term trial.
A good fit if: You’re planning a repeatable, clearly defined trial on your own premises and know which configuration you need.
Consider: Set-up, maintenance and planning for use will be more the operator’s responsibility. Manufacturer information does not replace an assessment of your own process.
| Consideration | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Finding the right use case | Define the task, environment, success criteria and any necessary staff interventions in detail. | If I first need to find out whether a specific, limited process is suitable for a G1 pilot, I want to investigate that exact process. Around 31% of consumers also prioritise proving that a use case is suitable. |
| Safe trial set-up | Assess the robot’s operating space, people’s routes, potential falls, emergency stopping and responsibilities with suitably qualified people. | If people could access the test area, I need hazards and safety measures assessed for that specific workplace. Around 31% of consumers also prioritise a safe trial set-up. |
| Configuration and development access | Confirm the full model designation, which hands are included and which interfaces are available for the version on offer. | If I want to test my own software or a particular hand configuration, the version on offer needs to be suitable. Around 23% of consumers put their own development requirements first. |
| Support and trial scope | For the same task, compare the duration, operator, set-up, training and maintenance included in the offer. | If my team can’t yet manage the set-up alone, I want to agree on support and responsibilities in advance. Around 15% of consumers also prioritise external support during trials. |
Fraunhofer IPA describes a material transport scenario carried out using a Unitree G1. A demonstrator does not automatically prove that the same process will work at your site.
Define the task, environment and stop criteria for your own trial before choosing the version you need.
A process that cannot be transferred may require additional development, integration and safety work.
Unitree distinguishes between the G1 and G1 EDU in terms of development access; the hands and additional joints depend on the configuration.
Check the full model designation, the hands included and the interfaces you need against your trial requirements.
You may need a different configuration or additional hardware if the version ordered does not cover your planned trial.
The rental offer described by EF Robotics is based on a nine-month term, so it does not automatically count as a short workplace trial.
Ask for a specific offer based on your preferred trial duration, and request separate details of support and set-up services.
A longer commitment may not suit a short pilot; agree any additional trial services in advance.
Manufacturer of the G1 family covered here; relevant when distinguishing between the G1 and G1 EDU.
German supplier of G1 training and a longer-term rental offer; relevant if practical instruction and support before purchase are your priority.
German seller of an offer listed as G1 EDU, with purchase, leasing and project enquiries as possible procurement options.
The selection below focuses on buying a Unitree G1 configuration for a clearly defined workplace pilot.
No image available
Could be suitable for a clearly defined G1 pilot if you don’t need to develop your own SDK/API-based solution.
The product information states that an SDK/API is not available for this version, so it isn’t suitable for a pilot that relies on custom development through these interfaces.
The product description excludes people under 14 and calls for particular care in environments where children are present.
A clearly defined material transport task is one documented approach: Fraunhofer IPA used a G1 in a demonstrator scenario. This does not prove the process will run without disruption in your warehouse; define the items, route and success criteria for your own trial.
Ask for operating, safety and maintenance information for the exact version, as well as details of its control system and emergency stop. Before deciding whether to buy, confirm which documents are actually supplied with the unit on offer and which are relevant to your planned use.
No. Under Section 3 of the German Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health, employers must assess risks before work equipment is used; CE marking alone does not remove this obligation. The BAuA also notes that sample assessments do not replace an assessment of the specific workplace.
According to the BAuA, the existing Machinery Directive will continue to apply to the placing on the market of machinery up to and including 19 January 2027; Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 applies from 20 January 2027. The documentation and conformity assessment required for a specific G1 version must be checked for the product and the relevant date.
Not necessarily, as rental and training may include different services and terms. For the same trial task, compare the duration, support, set-up and training scope in separate offers.