Unitree R1 vs. G1: A Professional Comparison of Humanoid Robotics

Unitree R1 vs. G1: A Professional Comparison of Humanoid Robotics

At Alpha Geo, we are the trusted UK source for cutting-edge robotics. When it comes to humanoid robots, the choice between the Unitree R1 and the Unitree G1 depends on your immediate needs and long-term goals. While both robots represent the forefront of embodied intelligence, they differ significantly in their design, capabilities, and availability. These differences go beyond a simple spec sheet; they determine which robot is the right fit for your application, from a technical and commercial perspective.

1. Arm Degrees of Freedom (DOF)

The R1 features a single arm with 5 DOF, while the G1 offers a single arm with 7 DOF.

Professional Insight: A 5-DOF arm can position and orient its end-effector in 3D space, but it has limited flexibility. The G1's two extra redundant joints enable it to change its arm configuration without altering the end-effector's position. This is ideal for navigating around obstacles, working in confined spaces, and performing precise manipulation. For industrial assembly or lab work, the G1's arm offers far greater adaptability.

2. Single Arm Payload

The R1 has a single arm payload of 2 kg, compared to the G1's 3 kg (3000 g).

Professional Insight: The G1's 50% higher payload capacity means it can lift heavier objects without sacrificing precision or stability. For applications like tool handling, material sorting, or assembly, this translates to broader task compatibility and better efficiency under load.

3. Waist Degrees of Freedom

The R1 has up to 2 DOF in its waist, while the G1 has 3 DOF.

Professional Insight: A 3-DOF waist allows for more fine-tuned center-of-gravity adjustments and optimised posture during upper-body movements, which expands the robot's operational workspace. The G1 can perform tasks in restricted environments more efficiently, maintaining stability while minimising unnecessary movement.

4. Battery Endurance

The R1 has a battery endurance of 1 hour, while the G1 offers 2 hours.

Professional Insight: Twice the runtime means twice the operational efficiency. For continuous tasks in commercial or industrial environments, the G1’s longer endurance reduces downtime, increases productivity, and lowers operational costs.

5. Product Availability

The R1 is expected to have gradual delivery toward the end of the year, whereas the G1 is in stock for immediate delivery.

Professional Insight: The G1 has reached mass production maturity with a stable supply chain and proven quality control. This means faster ROI and lower deployment risk for commercial clients. The R1, still ramping up production, is more suited for early adopters and research-focused organisations that can afford to wait.

Conclusion

From a technical and operational standpoint, the Unitree G1 leads in manipulation dexterity, payload capacity, motor coordination, and battery endurance. It is ready for immediate deployment and has proven commercial maturity. The R1, while less capable in its current form, is a strategically designed, developer-focused platform that could redefine humanoid robotics in the coming years.

Your Next Step: Contact Alpha Geo

Whether you need a humanoid robot for immediate deployment or are planning for the next generation of research platforms, Alpha Geo is your trusted UK source for Unitree robotics. We supply ready-to-deploy G1 units and can advise on futureproofing with the R1. Our team brings hands-on field experience to ensure your investment is matched with the right capabilities for your application.

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