Jakarta, INTI - Chinese robotics startup UBTech Robotics has launched the U1, the world's first full-size humanoid robot that can be customized to resemble a human. It is designed for mass production as an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered companion.
The U1 uses a metal frame covered in flexible synthetic skin that mimics human skin. It is also equipped with cameras in its eyes, sensors on its chest, a microphone, and fingers with nails. U1 is designed to resemble human hands to support social interaction.
UBTech offers the U1 humanoid robot starting at 119,800 yuan (approximately Rp316 million) for the standard model, while the Ultra variant is priced up to 990,000 yuan (approximately Rp2.6 billion) with more advanced capabilities.
The company also offers customization services for customers who want robots with faces, hair, and clothing that resemble loved ones, famous figures, or fictional characters.
UBTech Robotics' Head of Brand, Michael Tam, said the robot is developed to meet the emotional needs of users, especially the elderly and individuals living alone.
"Our bionic robot can accompany you for life. It will never betray you, will always be loyal, and love you unconditionally," said Michael Tam at the product launch in Shenzhen, China, as reported by AFP.
The Robot is Capable of Social Interaction
Although capable of social interaction, the U1 is not designed for household chores like cooking or cleaning. This robot has a battery life of up to four hours, can move its head, eyes, and mouth, and primarily functions as a companion that can chat, remind you of medication schedules, and detect user fatigue.
UBTech revealed that it has received more than 13,300 orders, with the first shipments scheduled to begin in September 2026.
Criticism of the Robot
While considered an attractive market prospect, the presence of humanoid robots that appear very human has also sparked debate among analysts, particularly regarding the psychological aspects of human-robot interaction.
Lian Jye Su, Chief Analyst at Omdia, believes companion robots have potential in certain segments, such as elderly care and mental health services. But "they have to pass the 'uncanny valley' test to appear physically and emotionally acceptable", with current models perhaps too off-putting to sell well, Su said, referring to the phenomenon in which interactions with artificial objects are so human-like it triggers unease.
Furthermore, the issue of personal data protection is also a concern amidst the development of AI-based robotics. In response, UBTech ensures that all data processed by the U1 is encrypted and will not be used to train the company's AI models beyond the robot's operational function.
Conclusion
UBTech Robotics introduced the U1, the first fully customizable, humanoid robot designed as an artificial intelligence (AI) companion. It features synthetic skin, cameras, sensors, a microphone, and social interaction capabilities such as chatting, medication reminders, fatigue detection, and companionship. The U1 is priced from 119,800 yuan to 990,000 yuan, with face, hair, and clothing customization options. While it has some potential, an analyst from Omdia said it still needs to overcome the uncanny valley to achieve widespread acceptance.
Read more: Brido WCT Robotics Team Advances to National KRI Finals, Ready for the Kung Fu Quest Challenge