UBTech's US$137,000 Companion Robot Sparks Buzz And Backlash

Chinese robotics firm UBTech has unveiled what it calls the world's first full-size hyper-realistic humanoid robot, drawing more than 13,000 orders before delivery begins in September – and a wave of online mockery over a top-end price close to 1 million yuan.

The Shenzhen-based company launched its Uworld U1 series on June 30, pitching the robots as emotional companions for the home rather than household helpers. The company has made clear the robots are not designed to do chores.

The series comes in three versions: the U1 Lite at 119,800 yuan (US$16,500), the U1 Pro at 169,800 yuan and the U1 Ultra at 990,000 yuan for the male model and 880,000 yuan for the female model. Only the Ultra version can walk independently, according to product information cited in Chinese media.

UBTech said full-channel orders had exceeded 13,361 units by the launch event, with mass delivery scheduled to begin on September 16. The company said it aims to deliver more than 10,000 units by the end of the year.

The robots are available in male and female versions. The male model is 183 centimeters tall and weighs 42 kilograms, while the female model is 168 centimeters tall and weighs 35.2 kilograms. The company says the robots have 88 degrees of freedom, medical-grade bionic skin and more than 30 subtle facial expressions. They are powered by what UBTech describes as a long-term emotional companion model that supports natural language conversation and emotional interaction.

The product is aimed at China's fast-growing "loneliness economy," including adults living alone and consumers willing to pay for emotional value, the company said. Buyers must be at least 18 and complete real-name and facial verification, according to the company.

The launch sent UBTech shares sharply higher on June 30, reflecting strong investor interest in consumer humanoid robots. But the product's high price and limited practical functions quickly became a talking point online.

Some users joked that the robot's price tag surpassed even the notoriously high dowries in Jiangxi Province, while others dismissed it as little more than a high-priced chatbot in a humanoid shell.

Questions also remain over the actual user experience, delivery performance and whether the robot has functions beyond emotional companionship. UBTech has not publicly addressed speculation about any "hidden features."

UBTech founder Zhou Jian also hinted at possible future tie-ups with otome game companies, a genre built around romantic storylines aimed largely at female players. Asked after the launch whether UBTech would consider working with such firms, Zhou said the company was open to partnering with IP owners "at the right time and at the right stage."