Chinese Company UBTech Launches Human-Like Emotional Companion Robots with Over 10,000 Preorders

Chinese robotics firm UBTech unveiled its new UWORLD U1 series of humanoid robots at a major launch event in Shenzhen. The robots are designed specifically for emotional companionship rather than household chores, marking a shift toward advanced robotic technologies for home use. UBTech introduced three main models: the U1 Lite, featuring only an upper torso and priced at 119,800 yuan (approximately $17,000); the U1 Pro at 169,800 yuan (about $24,000); and the flagship U1 Ultra, which can cost up to 990,000 yuan (around $140,000) depending on the version. The robots stand up to 183 cm tall, come in male and female forms, and offer 88 degrees of freedom to mimic human movement.

Despite their realistic appearance and customizable features, journalists at the event noted that facial expressions remain somewhat unconvincing and conversational abilities need improvement. The U1 robots operate on Rockchip's RK3588 chip and utilize an "emotional" artificial intelligence model developed with Huawei Ascend's platform. UBTech emphasized that the system learns and evolves with users over time, with all data stored locally and encrypted.

Since early June, when preorders began with a 3,000 yuan deposit, UBTech has received over 10,000 orders, ten times the company's total sales in 2025. Alongside the U1 series, UBTech also introduced the Cruzr Y1, a new industrial logistics robot designed for warehouses and factories. This wheeled robot offers 360-degree movement, four hours of operation per battery, and swappable batteries for continuous use.