Team making a one-off appearance at an exhibition
If you’re planning a prepared, supported welcome or demonstration for a set date, a rental package can make it easier to compare with operating your own G1.
Who are the different options suited to?
Team running regular demonstrations
If you have several appearances planned, compare renting, using a service provider and owning a robot over the same period and on the basis of equivalent services.
Team planning a bespoke stage scene
If the movements, branding and audience access need to work together, agree the scene, space and responsibilities with the operator in advance.
What should you clarify before booking or buying?
Supported rental package
A good fit if: you need a prepared demonstration with support for a limited period.
Consider: The schedule, operator hours and services included must be agreed for the specific booking.
Your own Unitree G1
A good fit if: you’re planning regular, controlled demonstrations and can organise operations in-house.
Consider: You’ll be responsible for purchasing, transport, support and safety arrangements.
Service provider’s package
A good fit if: you need to coordinate a bespoke scene, branding or the layout of a demonstration area.
Consider: Make it clear which planning and support services are included. This does not automatically mean the scene has been assessed or that liability has been accepted.
The figures below refer to consumers planning a supported G1 demonstration at an exhibition or on stage; each row represents the respondent’s main purchasing consideration.
| Consideration | What to check before buying | Who is this most important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Safe operation in the demonstration area | Have the movements, location, access for third parties, supervision, and procedures for stopping and dealing with incidents assessed in advance. | If the demonstration is taking place near visitors, I want to clarify the schedule, access and supervision beforehand. Around 36% of consumers are likely to prioritise having a safe demonstration area. |
| What the rental package includes | Set out operator hours, delivery, set-up, rehearsal, scenes, breakdowns and replacements in writing. | For a one-off booking, I want to know who will operate the robot and what support has actually been agreed. Around 29% of consumers are likely to have this as their main concern. |
| Costs for repeat bookings | Compare staffing, scene preparation, transport, maintenance and contingency cover over the same period. | If I have several appearances planned, I want to compare renting with operating my own robot on the basis of the same services. Around 21% of consumers are primarily concerned with comparing these costs. |
| The right model and scene | Ask for the required sequence of movements to be demonstrated, then check the model, development access, equipment and support against the offer. | If a bespoke movement or branded sequence is important, I want to check in advance that the model and agreed support are suitable. Around 14% of consumers are likely to have this as their main consideration. |
Which planning mistakes should you avoid?
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Assuming operator support means operational safety has been assessed
Having an operator on hand does not replace an assessment of the work equipment, surroundings and activity. Under § 3 BetrSichV, the risk assessment should begin before the equipment is selected and purchased.
Before signing a contract, clarify the movements, third-party access and responsibilities for the venue.
Additional planning and safeguards may be needed for the specific area.
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Planning to use the standard G1 for freely developed movement sequences
Unitree states that the standard G1 version offered in its own shop does not support further development and recommends the EDU for customisation.
Ask to see the intended scene in action and check the model and development access before committing.
Choosing a different model may require additional development and support planning.
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Comparing the purchase price with supported rental based only on the cost of the robot
A supported rental may include project services that wouldn’t be considered in a simple comparison of equipment costs.
Compare offers for the same period and scene, and check exactly which services are included.
If you operate the robot yourself, you’ll also need to budget for staff, transport, preparation, maintenance and contingency cover.
Which brands and providers are worth considering?
Unitree
Manufacturer of the G1 and G1 EDU variants. Worth considering when comparing a set routine with the option to develop your own scene.
- Unitree differentiates between the G1 and G1 EDU in terms of equipment and development options.
- According to Unitree, the standard G1 version on offer does not support further development. Manufacturer information does not establish that a specific movement at an exhibition is safe or that a particular offer complies with relevant requirements.
TONEART-Rent
German provider of supported robot hire, with a G1 event package that can be used as a benchmark for operator, scene and branding services.
- TONEART-Rent describes operator and technical support, as well as project delivery tailored to individual requirements.
- The services, qualifications, limits of liability and contingency arrangements that apply to a booking must be set out in the specific contract.
EF Robotics
Provider of a G1 rental option for exhibitions and events, which may be a useful point of comparison for supported welcomes and demonstrations.
- The provider positions its offer for shows and welcoming guests.
- Marketing claims about the effect on visitors are not independent evidence of effectiveness or safety. Check the binding scope of services in the offer.
Joybuy products for regular demonstrations
The Joybuy products below are intended for those buying their own Unitree G1 for regular, controlled demonstrations.
No image available
Unitree G1 Humanoid Robot
This model could suit you if you’re buying your own Unitree G1 for regular, controlled demonstrations and have clarified how it will be operated.
The product description lists force-controlled dexterous hands; SDK/API are currently unavailable, according to the product information.
Frequently asked questions
For a work-related exhibition, is CE marking enough, or do you also need a risk assessment?
No. Under § 3 BetrSichV, CE marking does not replace the employer’s risk assessment. This should begin before the equipment is selected and purchased; the measures required depend on the actual activity and working environment.
Which G1 variant is suitable for scenes you develop yourself?
Unitree states that the standard G1 version offered in its own shop does not support further development and recommends the EDU for customisation. Specify the required functions and exact configuration in the offer.
What should I agree with the hire company about set-up, operation and breakdowns?
Set out delivery, set-up, rehearsal, operation, procedures for dealing with incidents, responsibilities and any replacement services in writing. TONEART describes project and support services; the specific offer will determine which of these apply to an individual booking.
How many bookings does it take for buying to be cheaper?
There’s no set number of bookings without comparable offers and a defined period. Compare the total costs of renting, using a service provider and operating the robot yourself, including staff, transport, preparation and servicing.
Which machinery rules apply to placing products on the market in Germany before and from January 2027?
According to the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, machinery may continue to be placed on the market under Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC up to and including 19 January 2027. Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 applies from 20 January 2027. This does not establish whether a specific G1 offer complies with the requirements.