Unitree has expanded its R1 dual-arm humanoid robot lineup with the R1-A5 and R1-A7 models, available with options for 2-finger grippers or 3- or 5-finger dexterous hands, and compatible with either a fixed or wheeled base for indoor movement.
These new robots build on the affordable Unitree R1 platform introduced last year, known for dancing, walking, running, doing kung-fu moves, and chatting, but previously not equipped with dexterous hands. The R1-A5 and R1-A7 won’t dance due to their lack of legs, but their upper bodies include a head and two arms with grippers or dexterous hands, which can perform practical tasks utilizing binocular vision.
Four models are available with varying specifications. The R1-A7 has longer arms and offers additional degrees of freedom, while the -D versions have a wheeled base with LiDAR.
The binocular module offers RGB and depth maps at resolutions and frame rates of 1280×720 @ 30 Hz and 544 x 488 @ 10 Hz, respectively, with five types of Dex actuators available.
With a starting price of $4,290, this figure likely refers to the R1-A5 without additional features. Options like hands, an NVIDIA Jetson Orin module, and fixed or wheeled bases can significantly increase the total cost.
Aimed at factory and warehouse applications rather than home use, the new models are more functional compared to the R1, formerly marketed as an “intelligent companion.”
Videos showcasing the robot’s capabilities are limited, but potential demonstrations can be found on Bilibili. If compatible with the Dex5 dexterous hand from last year, it could provide insights into its advanced capabilities.
The R1-A5 and R1-A7 models have yet to appear on the Unitree website, but current R1 robots share similar electronics, and the company offers various Dex dexterous hands.
