For recurring demonstrations with support, buying your own Unitree R1 could be an option if your team can prepare and run a limited programme themselves. It only makes sense to compare this with a time-limited supported solution once the set-up, operator role and safety responsibilities for the specific appearance have been agreed. The features described by Unitree Robotics and TONEART’s positioning of the Base version for trade show organisers are no substitute for rehearsing the show programme or checking the specific configuration and visitor environment.
In busy areas with lots of visitors, they need to consider the planned sequence of movements and how visitors will be guided through the space together. The Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health describes risk assessment as activity-specific, so product documentation alone cannot answer every question about a particular stand.
If you want to use a prepared technology or brand demonstration at several events, you need to decide whether your own team can handle transport, rehearsals and operation, or whether support for individual appearances would better suit your schedule. TONEART identifies trade show organisers and exhibitors as target groups for the R1 Base version.
The exact R1 version matters if you’re developing a bespoke interaction. According to the official Unitree Robotics shop, only the EDU version supports Secondary Development, so you should confirm the required interfaces and capabilities for your specific project before placing an order.
First, check the documentation and how to operate the robot safely at the venue. Then confirm who is responsible for support and dealing with issues, and finally check the features of the R1 version you need.
| Consideration | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor safety and documentation | Check that the declaration of conformity, CE marking and operating instructions match the specific configuration; assess the movement sequence and visitor flow at the venue. | With visitors nearby, I want to know how movements will be limited and visitors protected before the demonstration. For around 42% of consumers, this protection is the main priority. |
| Set-up and support | Agree in writing on set-up, instruction and the operator’s role; define who is responsible if anything goes wrong. | If my team is covering several events, I need clear responsibilities so that an issue doesn’t disrupt the programme unexpectedly. Around 33% of consumers would put reliable, predictable delivery first. |
| Presentation and customisation | Check that the R1 version matches the planned demonstration; confirm the EDU version’s capabilities if you’re developing your own software. | For a bespoke presentation, I want to know whether the chosen version can deliver the planned interaction. This ability to customise would be the main priority for around 25% of consumers. |
A video of the robot doesn’t tell you who will transport, set up and operate it, or step in if something goes wrong. These responsibilities need to be clearly assigned, even when you opt for a supported solution.
For each event, record the arrangements for set-up, instruction, the operator’s role, safety measures and technical support in writing.
Unitree Robotics describes movement and sensor features, while TONEART outlines potential uses for the Base version. That doesn’t guarantee that a particular dialogue or sequence of movements can be repeated reliably in the conditions at your stand.
Keep the demonstration programme focused and rehearse it at the planned venue using the version and software you intend to use.
You may need extra rehearsals and staff support to deliver the planned programme.
To make a decision about the R1 you’ll actually use, the model, accessories and intended use need to match the documentation provided. Section 3(2) of the 9th ProdSV sets out requirements in Germany before a product is placed on the market or put into service; according to the official version, the regulation will be repealed at the end of 19 January 2027.
Check that the declaration of conformity, CE marking and operating instructions match the specific version, and check the law in force at the time if the robot will be put into service later.
The Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health describes risk assessment as activity-specific. You should therefore also consider tasks such as transport, set-up, testing and dealing with issues as part of the appearance.
Plan and document safety measures for the entire process at each venue, including dismantling and how issues will be handled.
Unitree Robotics makes the R1 AIR, R1 and R1 EDU models. The features of the version you actually choose will determine whether it suits your planned demonstration.
TONEART is a German specialist retailer that positions the R1 Base version for creative agencies, trade show organisers and exhibitors, among others.
Check the declaration of conformity, CE marking and operating instructions for the specific R1 configuration. As of October 2026, Section 3(2) of the 9th ProdSV also sets out requirements in Germany for technical documentation and the applicable conformity assessment procedure before a product is placed on the market or put into service; according to the official version, the regulation will be repealed at the end of 19 January 2027. If the robot is put into service later, the law in force at that time will apply.
No. CE marking is no substitute for planning the specific use. The Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health advises that risk assessment should be activity-specific. In particular, consider the work process, venue and people affected, and document the measures required.
For Secondary Development, the official Unitree Robotics shop lists only the R1 EDU version. Before placing an order, confirm the software, sensors, accessories and support you’ll need for your planned integration.