For a one-off appearance, or to try things out first, a staffed G1 hire is the obvious choice. If you’re planning recurring shows, it’s worth exploring the option of buying an Entertainment variant with specialist dealer support. The key is to get the hire services confirmed in writing, make sure the routines are suitable and check that the arrangements will work at your venue. If you’re operating the robot yourself, you’ll also need to check the documentation and operating limits for the specific variant, as well as your operational plans.
If you’re planning a demonstration for a limited time, you can compare a staffed hire with the effort involved in operating a robot yourself. EF Robotics offers the Unitree G1 for hire at events and trade fairs.
For regular demonstrations, check whether the specific Entertainment variant supports the routines you need and whether your team can organise its operation and support in-house. reichelt elektronik describes the G1 Pro as an Entertainment version; Unitree offers different configurations within the G1 family.
If you’re planning repeated demonstrations and need help building in-house skills, check what training and other services are included in the specific offer. EF Robotics lists installation and training services in connection with a hire offer.
When planning a G1 appearance in Germany, the main differences between hiring and buying come down to who organises its operation and support, and how often it will be used.
A good fit if: you’re planning a one-off appearance or want to try out the arrangements first.
Consider: The operator, operating hours, transport and set-up must all be explicitly agreed for the specific event.
A good fit if: recurring demonstrations justify having your own team and a planned operating routine.
Consider: Your team will take on more responsibility for operation, training, maintenance and contingency planning; confirm dealer services separately for the specific purchase.
For event teams planning a G1 appearance, these four considerations are particularly important when choosing:
| Consideration | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Support and arrangements | Operator hours, responsibilities and agreed measures for the specific venue | If I need a reliable set-up and clear responsibilities for a one-off appearance, support is my top priority. Around 40% of consumers prioritise support and arrangements. |
| Recurring appearances | Compare the hire period and services included with all the operational and service responsibilities involved in buying | If several dates are planned, I want to compare the total costs over the same period and for the same services. Around 30% of consumers put the cost-effectiveness of recurring appearances first. |
| Demonstration features | Get confirmation that the movements and interactions you need are supported by the full model and variant specified | If a particular routine or interaction is essential, I want it confirmed for the exact variant on offer and the planned venue. Around 20% of consumers prioritise suitable demonstration features. |
| Support when operating it yourself | Agree training, maintenance, fault reporting and contingency arrangements separately from the equipment offer | If we’re taking on operation ourselves but need support, I want to agree responsibilities and the level of service in advance. Around 10% of consumers put training and support first. |
An EF Robotics hire offer is subject to a nine-month term. You can’t assume this means the same services will be provided for a single staffed day at a trade fair.
Compare offers for the same period, and get the services for your event confirmed in writing.
A long contract commitment may not be practical for a one-off appearance.
reichelt elektronik distinguishes between an Entertainment and an EDU configuration; information about the G1 family doesn’t necessarily apply to every variant.
Check the full model designation and make sure the features of the specific variant on offer cover the routines you need.
An equipment offer doesn’t automatically include training, maintenance or contingency planning. The risk assessment will also depend on the specific venue.
Consider the equipment offer, service agreement and venue-specific operating plans separately when making your decision.
Training, maintenance, transport and contingency arrangements may need to be organised separately.
Unitree is the manufacturer of the G1 family featured here. Features vary by variant, so the exact model designation is important when choosing.
This selection features a Unitree G1 for controlled demonstrations; it isn’t a substitute for comparing the option with a staffed event hire.
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As a G1 model, this robot may be suitable for controlled G1 demonstrations; its suitability for specific routines and the venue must be checked separately.
The product title states that SDK/API is not available for this version.
The product warning advises against operating the robot near stairs, edges or uneven surfaces. It also warns of crush hazards at moving joints and says the robot is not water-resistant.
Before using it professionally, check the risk assessment for the specific venue, along with the CE marking, EC Declaration of Conformity, operating instructions and safe operating limits for the specific variant.
Get written confirmation for the specific event of the operator and operating hours, model variant, transport, set-up and dismantling, insurance, fault procedures and responsibilities for the safety plan. EF Robotics offers the G1 for hire at events and trade fairs, but doesn’t list all these services as included. A separate hire offer from the provider is subject to a nine-month term.
Not without checking the variant and the planned set-up. reichelt elektronik describes pre-enabled movements on the G1 Pro, and Unitree explains how to demonstrate the G1 using remote control. Neither confirms that a particular routine is available or can be performed safely with visitors at your venue.
There’s no set threshold you can establish from the different hire and purchase offers. Compare the same period and level of service, and include the operational and service tasks you’ll need to cover if you buy.
If the robot is used as work equipment, the risk assessment must take account of the operating conditions and the specific venue. This is explained by the German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in TRBS 1111. According to the Institute, the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC will continue to apply to the placing of machinery on the market until 19 January 2027; Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 will apply from 20 January 2027. Check the documentation and safe operating limits for the specific variant.
Check the venue and event rules with the organiser, as they depend on the specific location and set-up. If personal data is being processed, the specific data processing must be assessed under data protection law. AUMA and the Federal Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information provide guidance on data protection and video surveillance. The presence of a camera doesn’t automatically mean that every operating mode is permitted.