"Robot Instead of a Partner?" Over 3,800 'Emotional Interaction' Humanoids Sold in Ten Days
UbiTech Unveils Humanoid Robot Focusing on Emotional Interaction
Over 3,800 Pre-Orders in Just Ten Days
Chinese robotics company UbiTech has unveiled a humanoid robot that emphasizes "emotional interaction." The robot has attracted significant attention, recording over 3,800 pre-orders just ten days after reservations began.
According to China Sina Finance and other sources on June 15, UbiTech introduced its household humanoid robot "U1" earlier this month and began taking pre-orders.
The U1 is a product that highlights emotional interaction as its core feature and can only be purchased by adults. It is available in both male and female models: the male version stands 183 cm tall and weighs 42 kg, while the female version is 168 cm tall and weighs 35 kg. The robot features 88 joints throughout its body.
This robot is designed to remember conversations with users and, as interactions accumulate, to learn and provide personalized responses. It also supports custom appearance manufacturing and intellectual property (IP) collaboration functions.
The pre-order deposit is 3,000 yuan (approximately 670,000 won), and official sales are scheduled to begin at the end of this month. The retail price has not yet been announced.
Nevertheless, in just ten days since pre-orders opened, orders have surpassed 3,800 units. It is reported that more than 10 million yuan (about 2.233 billion won) has already been collected from deposits alone. This figure far exceeds the 1,079 humanoid robots UbiTech sold last year.
Following the launch announcement, a variety of responses appeared online in China. Some users expressed their intention to purchase, saying, "Now I don't have to worry about pressure from relatives to get married," and "I'll buy a robot instead of a partner."
On the other hand, questions have been raised about the robot's performance. The battery life is only about 2 to 4 hours, and in the promotional videos released, the robot is shown merely blinking its eyes or turning its head. In particular, its actual abilities such as walking or picking up objects have not been demonstrated, leading some to remark, "Isn't this just an expensive display figure?"
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However, the market response has been positive. After the pre-order announcement, UbiTech's stock price rose by about 6%. Industry insiders assessed that, since this product focuses more on emotional satisfaction than robotic functions, it has the potential to create new demand.
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