Unitree R1 in the UK: the humanoid you can actually afford
Prices checked 9 November 2026
The Unitree R1 is the cheapest walking humanoid you can buy, and it is back on UK shelves. Scan sells the R1 for £6,999 inc VAT, in stock with next day delivery on 9 November 2026. It is a small, nimble humanoid about 123 cm tall that walks, balances, waves, dances and runs routines from an app. It is the closest thing yet to a humanoid you could have at home.
R1 Air vs R1 vs R1 EDU
| Version | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| R1 Air | US$4,900 list (Unitree store) | 20 joints, single camera, about 27 kg. The entry model. Not sold by UK shops yet. |
| R1 | £6,999 at Scan US$5,900 list | 26 joints, stereo camera, about 29 kg. The one most people should buy. |
| R1 EDU | about US$10,500 (quote) | Up to 40 joints and developer access, so you can write your own software. For universities, schools and labs. |
All versions are about 123 cm tall and run for about an hour per charge. Specs from Unitree; UK prices from Scan and RobotShop UK on 9 November 2026.
Where to buy it in the UK
- Scan: R1 Basic £6,999 inc VAT, in stock with next day delivery.
- RobotShop UK: R1 Basic £8,039 inc VAT, ordered in from the supplier on demand.
- Unitree direct: US$4,900 to US$5,900 plus US$300 to US$1,200 shipping, then UK import VAT and a courier fee on arrival. Read how importing a robot to the UK works before you do this.
For a school, university or company, buying from a UK seller gets you a VAT invoice, UK warranty and someone local to call. Our dealer quote form asks UK sellers for their best price on the version you need.
Buying an R1 for Christmas?
Good timing. Scan was waiting for new R1 stock at the start of November, and on 9 November 2026 it had the R1 in stock again with next day delivery. Stock of the cheapest humanoid will not last long, so if it has to be under the tree, order from a UK seller now rather than importing.
What can the R1 actually do?
Out of the box it walks, balances, turns, waves, dances and plays motion routines you download in Unitree's app, with a handheld remote for live control. It is a brilliant robot for demos, events, classrooms and anyone who wants to own a humanoid. It is not a home helper yet: it will not tidy your kitchen. If you want to teach it new skills yourself, you need the EDU version.
R1 or G1?
The Unitree G1 is bigger (132 cm), stronger and the standard research humanoid. In the UK it starts at £17,600 for the standard G1 and £30,000 for the programmable EDU (Scan, 9 November 2026). The R1 costs well under half the price of the cheapest G1 and is perfect for learning, demos and fun. Compare every humanoid on our humanoid robot price list.
Questions people ask
How much is the Unitree R1 in the UK?
The R1 Basic is £6,999 inc VAT at Scan, in stock with next day delivery on 9 November 2026, and £8,039 at RobotShop UK, which orders it in on demand. Unitree lists the R1 Air at US$4,900 and the R1 at US$5,900, before shipping, import VAT and fees.
Can I get a Unitree R1 before Christmas?
Yes, if you order from Scan while it has stock: on 9 November 2026 Scan showed the R1 in stock with next day delivery. RobotShop UK orders it in from the supplier, so allow several weeks there.
Can you program the Unitree R1?
Only the R1 EDU supports your own software. The R1 Air and R1 run Unitree routines from an app and remote.
Is it cheaper to import an R1 from Unitree?
Sometimes, but not by as much as it looks. Add US$300 to US$1,200 shipping, 20% import VAT on the whole landed cost and a courier fee, and you lose UK warranty and support. See our guide to importing a robot to the UK.
How tall is the Unitree R1?
About 123 cm, and it weighs about 27 kg (Air) or 29 kg (R1). The battery lasts about an hour.
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