UBTech's home humanoids attract 13,000-plus pre-orders ahead of September delivery

UBTech Robotics, based in Shenzhen, said its U1 series humanoids had accumulated 13,361 orders by June 30, less than a month after pre-sales opened in early June. Initial deliveries are scheduled to begin on September 16.

The line-up spans three models — Lite, Pro and Ultra — from partial-body units to full-sized humanoids. Prices range from 119,800 yuan to 990,000 yuan, depending on the configuration.

Among the early buyers is Song, a 39-year-old Beijing investor who paid 159,800 yuan (US$23,680) for a female version of the U1 Pro. He acknowledged the robot won't handle chores like cooking or cleaning, but he is looking forward to the emotional interaction and novelty it promises.

According to UBTech, the robots are designed primarily for emotional companionship, featuring facial expressions, voice interaction and AI-driven conversations. Unlike industrial robots that work in controlled settings, household humanoids must navigate unpredictable living spaces and interact naturally with people.

While the current focus is on companionship and entertainment, the company's broader ambition is to eventually deliver practical domestic help. For now, buyers are embracing the wait as part of the experience — as Song put it, "The happiest part is often the waiting."