How much does a humanoid robot cost in 2026? Prices range from $2,000 for toy-grade humanoids to $150,000+ for commercial-grade general-purpose robots. The most talked-about models — Tesla Optimus, Unitree G1, Figure 02, and Boston Dynamics Atlas — each target different price points and use cases. This guide breaks down every major humanoid robot's price, what drives those costs, and what you'll actually pay when maintenance, training, and integration are factored in.
Humanoid Robot Price Comparison Table (2026)
Here's a quick-reference pricing table for every major humanoid robot currently on the market or announced with pricing targets:
| Robot | Manufacturer | Price (USD) | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unitree G1 | Unitree Robotics | $16,000 | Consumer / Education | ✅ Available now |
| Unitree G1 EDU | Unitree Robotics | $13,500 (base) | Education / Dev | ✅ Available now |
| Unitree H1 | Unitree Robotics | $90,000–$150,000 | Enterprise / Research | ✅ Available now |
| Tesla Optimus (Gen 2) | Tesla | $25,000–$30,000 (target) | Industrial / Consumer | ⏳ Limited trials 2026 |
| Figure 02 | Figure AI | $30,000–$50,000 (est.) | Industrial / Commercial | ⏳ Pilot deployments |
| Figure 03 | Figure AI | TBA (home-focused) | Home / Consumer | ⏳ Announced 2026 |
| Boston Dynamics Atlas (Electric) | Boston Dynamics / Hyundai | $150,000+ (est.) | Enterprise / Research | ⏳ Commercial pilots |
| Agility Digit | Agility Robotics | $100,000–$250,000 (est.) | Warehouse / Logistics | ⏳ Commercial pilots |
| AGIBOT A2 Ultra | AGIBOT (Zhiyuan) | Contact sales | Enterprise / Research | ✅ Available |
| Fourier GR-2 | Fourier Intelligence | $100,000–$150,000 (est.) | Healthcare / Research | ⏳ Early access |
| NAO | Aldebaran (SoftBank) | $8,000–$12,000 | Education / Research | ✅ Available |
| Pepper | Aldebaran (SoftBank) | $25,000–$30,000 | Hospitality / Retail | ✅ Available |
| Ameca | Engineered Arts | $100,000–$200,000 (est.) | Entertainment / Research | ✅ Available (lease preferred) |
| 1X NEO Beta | 1X Technologies | TBA (sub-$30,000 target) | Home / Consumer | ⏳ Beta testing |
| Sanctuary AI Phoenix | Sanctuary AI | $50,000–$100,000 (est.) | Industrial / Commercial | ⏳ Pilot deployments |
| Xiaomi CyberOne | Xiaomi | $100,000+ (prototype) | Research | ❌ Not for sale |
| UBTECH Walker S | UBTECH Robotics | Contact sales | Enterprise | ✅ Available |
| Apptronik Apollo | Apptronik | $50,000–$100,000 (est.) | Industrial / Logistics | ⏳ Pilot programs |
Prices are based on manufacturer announcements, public statements, and industry estimates as of January 2026. "Est." indicates estimated pricing from industry analysis. Actual costs may vary based on configuration and order volume.
The Cheapest Humanoid Robots You Can Buy Right Now
If you're looking for the most affordable humanoid robots available today, three stand out:
Unitree G1 — $13,500 to $16,000
The Unitree G1 is the most affordable full-featured humanoid robot on the market. At $13,500 for the EDU version and roughly $16,000 for the standard model, it offers 23 degrees of freedom, 3D LiDAR, depth cameras, and about 2 hours of battery life. Standing 1.32 meters tall and weighing 35 kg, it's compact but capable — it can walk, grasp objects, and navigate autonomously. For educational institutions and developers, the G1 EDU adds NVIDIA Jetson Orin computing, 18-month warranty (vs. 8 months for standard), and full secondary development support.
NAO by Aldebaran — $8,000 to $12,000
The NAO robot has been the go-to educational humanoid for over a decade. At 58 cm tall, it's not a full-size humanoid, but it walks bipedally, recognizes faces and voices, and is fully programmable. It's used in thousands of universities and research labs worldwide. Pricing starts around $8,000 for academic institutions.
Pepper by Aldebaran — $25,000 to $30,000
Pepper is designed for customer-facing roles in retail, hospitality, and healthcare. It can detect emotions, hold conversations, and navigate indoor spaces. While not a full bipedal humanoid (it uses a wheeled base), it's one of the most commercially deployed humanoid-style robots, with over 27,000 units sold globally.
Mid-Range Humanoid Robots: $25,000 to $100,000
Tesla Optimus Gen 2 — Target Price $25,000 to $30,000
Tesla's Optimus is arguably the most anticipated humanoid robot in the world. Elon Musk has repeatedly stated the target price will be between $25,000 and $30,000 — positioning it as roughly the cost of a car. The Gen 2 prototype stands 5'8" (173 cm) and weighs 125 lbs (57 kg). It features 28 structural actuators, Tesla-designed hands with 11 degrees of freedom each, and runs on Tesla's custom AI chips.
As of early 2026, Optimus is being deployed in limited numbers inside Tesla factories for material handling and sorting tasks. Tesla has indicated broader commercial availability could begin in late 2026 or 2027. The $25,000 price target assumes high-volume manufacturing — early units may cost significantly more.
Figure 02 — Estimated $30,000 to $50,000
Figure AI, backed by a $675 million funding round from Microsoft, OpenAI, NVIDIA, Jeff Bezos, and others, has built one of the most capable humanoid robots in development. Figure 02 features a custom-designed body with 16 degrees of freedom, onboard AI processing, and advanced manipulation capabilities. The company has pilot deployments with BMW at their Spartanburg manufacturing facility.
Figure has also announced Figure 03, designed specifically for home use. While pricing hasn't been disclosed, the company's stated goal is making humanoid robots affordable for households — likely targeting a sub-$20,000 price point at scale.
Unitree H1 — $90,000 to $150,000
The Unitree H1 is a full-size humanoid standing 180 cm tall and weighing 47 kg (70 kg for the H1-2 variant). It holds the world speed record for humanoid robots at 3.3 m/s. With industrial-grade crossed roller bearings, 360° depth perception via 3D LiDAR, and up to 360 N·m knee torque, it's built for real work. The H1-2 adds 7 DOF per arm, wrist joints, and a 27 total DOF configuration that enables complex manipulation tasks.
Sanctuary AI Phoenix — Estimated $50,000 to $100,000
Sanctuary AI's Phoenix robot is notable for its Carbon AI system — a general-purpose AI designed to give the robot human-like reasoning and task understanding. Phoenix features hands with 20+ degrees of freedom, giving it some of the most dexterous manipulation in the industry. The company has deployed pilots with Magna International for automotive manufacturing.
Apptronik Apollo — Estimated $50,000 to $100,000
Developed in Austin, Texas with NASA heritage, Apollo stands 5'8" and can carry up to 55 lbs (25 kg). It's designed for logistics and manufacturing, with swappable battery packs for 4+ hours of operation. Apptronik has partnered with Mercedes-Benz for deployment in automotive manufacturing.
High-End Humanoid Robots: $100,000+
Boston Dynamics Atlas (Electric) — Estimated $150,000+
Boston Dynamics retired its famous hydraulic Atlas in April 2024 and unveiled an all-electric version. The new Atlas features an unprecedented range of motion — its joints can rotate 360°, allowing movements that no human could replicate. It's designed for commercial deployment in partnership with Hyundai, initially targeting automotive manufacturing. Pricing has not been officially disclosed, but industry estimates place it well above $150,000 given Boston Dynamics' enterprise focus.
Agility Digit — Estimated $100,000 to $250,000
Digit by Agility Robotics is purpose-built for warehouse logistics. Amazon has been the most prominent customer, deploying Digit units for tote handling in fulfillment centers. Standing 5'9" with bird-like legs optimized for stability, Digit can lift up to 35 lbs and navigate dynamic warehouse environments. Agility opened RoboFab, the world's first humanoid robot factory, in Salem, Oregon, with capacity to produce 10,000 units per year.
Ameca by Engineered Arts — $100,000 to $200,000
Ameca is the world's most expressive humanoid robot, featuring 52 degrees of freedom in its face alone. It's designed primarily for human-robot interaction research and entertainment — you've likely seen viral videos of its eerily realistic facial expressions. Engineered Arts primarily offers Ameca through leasing agreements rather than outright purchase, with custom configurations driving final pricing.
Fourier GR-2 — Estimated $100,000 to $150,000
Fourier Intelligence, a Shanghai-based company, developed the GR-2 for healthcare and rehabilitation applications. Standing 175 cm tall with 53 degrees of freedom, it's one of the most articulated humanoid robots available. Fourier has focused on physical therapy and elder care applications, deploying pilot units in hospitals across China.
What Drives Humanoid Robot Costs?
Understanding why humanoid robots cost what they do requires looking at the major cost components:
Actuators and Motors — 30-40% of Total Cost
The single biggest cost driver is the actuator system. Humanoid robots typically require 20-40+ actuators — each one a precision motor with encoders, gearboxes, and bearings. High-torque actuators for legs (needed for walking and balance) can cost $1,000-$5,000 each. This is why companies like Tesla and Unitree invest heavily in designing custom actuators — it's the key to hitting lower price points. The Unitree G1's $13,500 price is largely possible because Unitree manufactures its own motors at scale.
Sensors and Perception — 15-25% of Total Cost
A humanoid robot needs to perceive its environment. The sensor suite typically includes:
- 3D LiDAR — $200 to $5,000+ depending on resolution
- Depth cameras (stereo or structured light) — $200 to $1,500
- IMUs (inertial measurement units) for balance — $50 to $500
- Force/torque sensors in joints and hands — $500 to $3,000 each
- Tactile sensors for hands — still expensive and emerging
Advanced perception systems with multiple cameras, LiDAR, and proprioceptive sensors across every joint can add $10,000-$30,000 to the total cost.
Compute and AI Hardware — 10-15% of Total Cost
Running AI models for locomotion, navigation, manipulation, and speech requires significant onboard computing. Most commercial humanoid robots use NVIDIA Jetson Orin modules ($500-$2,000) or custom silicon. Tesla uses its own FSD chip in Optimus. More compute means better real-time decision-making but higher cost and power consumption.
Structural Materials and Design — 10-20% of Total Cost
The frame and body panels use a combination of:
- Aluminum alloys — lightweight, moderate cost
- Carbon fiber — lightweight but expensive, used in premium models
- Engineering plastics — affordable for non-structural components
- Titanium — used in high-stress joints on premium robots
Material choice alone can swing the cost by $5,000-$20,000 depending on the robot's size and build quality.
Battery and Power Systems — 5-10% of Total Cost
Humanoid robots are power-hungry. Walking alone consumes significant energy. Most use lithium-ion or lithium-polymer battery packs providing 1-4 hours of operation. The Unitree G1's 9,000 mAh pack provides about 2 hours; the H1 uses an 864 Wh battery. Battery packs for full-size humanoids typically cost $1,000-$5,000.
Software and AI Development — Not in Unit Cost, But Huge
The R&D behind humanoid robot AI doesn't show up in the bill of materials, but it's the real reason these companies have raised billions. Figure AI raised $675M. Tesla invests billions in AI. This R&D cost is amortized across units sold — which is why volume production is critical to lowering prices. The more units sold, the lower the effective software cost per robot.
Total Cost of Ownership: Beyond the Purchase Price
The sticker price is just the beginning. Here's what the total cost of ownership looks like:
Annual Maintenance: $1,000 to $15,000/year
Humanoid robots have moving parts that wear out. Budget for:
- Actuator servicing/replacement — the most common maintenance item
- Battery replacement — typically every 2-3 years ($1,000-$5,000)
- Sensor calibration — cameras and LiDAR need periodic recalibration
- Software updates — most manufacturers offer OTA updates (often included)
For a commercial-grade robot like the Unitree H1, expect $5,000-$15,000/year in maintenance. For consumer models like the G1, $1,000-$3,000/year.
Training and Integration: $2,000 to $50,000
Enterprise deployments require:
- Staff training on robot operation and safety — $2,000-$10,000
- Custom programming for specific tasks — $5,000-$30,000
- Workflow integration — connecting the robot to existing systems (MES, WMS, ERP) — $5,000-$50,000
- Safety infrastructure — barriers, sensors, emergency stops — $2,000-$10,000
Buying vs. Leasing
Buying outright makes sense when you plan to use the robot for 3+ years and want full customization control. Total cost of ownership over 5 years (purchase + maintenance) is typically lower than leasing.
Leasing is increasingly popular, especially for enterprise customers. Benefits include:
- Lower upfront cost (monthly payments of $1,000-$10,000)
- Maintenance and updates often included
- Easy upgrade to newer models
- Better for pilot programs and proof-of-concept deployments
Companies like Agility Robotics and Engineered Arts primarily offer robots through leasing or Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS) models. This trend is accelerating as the technology evolves rapidly — buying a robot today means it may be outdated in 2-3 years.
When Will Humanoid Robots Get Cheaper?
The humanoid robot market is on a trajectory similar to early personal computers or smartphones. Here's what's driving costs down:
Manufacturing Scale
Tesla's Optimus strategy is essentially the same as its car strategy: design for mass production, use vertical integration, and drive costs down through volume. Elon Musk has stated the long-term goal is to sell Optimus for $20,000 or less. Agility Robotics' RoboFab factory (10,000 units/year capacity) signals the industry is moving toward scale manufacturing.
Chinese Competition
Chinese companies — Unitree, AGIBOT (Zhiyuan), Fourier, UBTECH, and dozens of startups — are aggressively competing on price. The Unitree G1 at $13,500 was a shock to the industry when announced. Expect continued downward pricing pressure from Chinese manufacturers who benefit from lower labor costs and integrated supply chains.
AI Software Improvements
Better AI means robots can use cheaper hardware. Foundation models for robotics (like Google DeepMind's RT-2, NVIDIA's GR00T, and Tesla's end-to-end neural networks) allow robots to learn tasks from demonstrations rather than requiring expensive custom programming. This reduces both hardware requirements and deployment costs.
Price Predictions
- 2026-2027: Entry-level full-size humanoids drop below $20,000. Consumer-focused models (Figure 03, 1X NEO) enter the market.
- 2028-2030: Mass-market humanoids in the $10,000-$15,000 range. Enterprise models drop below $50,000.
- 2030-2035: Goldman Sachs projects the humanoid robot market reaching $38 billion. Prices could approach $5,000-$10,000 for basic consumer models.
Who Should Buy a Humanoid Robot in 2026?
Despite the hype, humanoid robots in 2026 are still early-stage technology. Here's who should — and shouldn't — consider purchasing one:
Good Fit
- Research institutions and universities — The Unitree G1 EDU at $13,500 is an excellent research platform
- Manufacturing companies running pilot programs — leasing Figure 02 or Apptronik Apollo for specific use cases
- Warehouse and logistics operators — Agility Digit has proven ROI in Amazon fulfillment centers
- Hospitality and retail — Pepper remains the most proven customer-facing robot
- Entertainment and events — Ameca creates extraordinary experiences
Not Yet
- Home consumers — Wait for Figure 03, 1X NEO, or Tesla Optimus consumer versions. Current robots lack the reliability and polish needed for daily home use.
- Small businesses expecting immediate ROI — Integration costs and current capabilities don't yet justify the investment for most small operations
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a humanoid robot cost?
Humanoid robot prices in 2026 range from $8,000 for educational robots like NAO to $150,000+ for enterprise-grade robots like Boston Dynamics Atlas. The most popular mid-range options — Tesla Optimus ($25,000-$30,000 target), Figure 02 ($30,000-$50,000 est.), and Unitree G1 ($13,500-$16,000) — represent the new wave of more affordable humanoid robots.
What is the cheapest humanoid robot?
The cheapest full-featured humanoid robot you can buy today is the Unitree G1 at $13,500 (EDU version). It walks, grasps objects, has 3D LiDAR and depth cameras, and supports full software development. For a smaller educational humanoid, the NAO robot starts around $8,000.
What is the most expensive humanoid robot?
The most expensive commercially available humanoid robots are the Boston Dynamics Atlas (estimated $150,000+), Agility Digit ($100,000-$250,000), and Ameca by Engineered Arts ($100,000-$200,000). Custom research humanoids built by universities can exceed $500,000. Honda's ASIMO, while retired, reportedly cost over $2.5 million per unit to produce.
How much will Tesla Optimus cost?
Tesla has targeted a price of $25,000 to $30,000 for the Optimus humanoid robot. Elon Musk has stated the long-term goal is under $20,000. As of early 2026, Optimus is in limited deployment at Tesla factories and is not yet available for public purchase. Broader availability is expected in late 2026 or 2027.
Can I buy a humanoid robot for my home?
In 2026, home-use humanoid robots are still very limited. The Unitree G1 can be purchased by individuals ($13,500+), but it requires technical knowledge to operate. Pepper ($25,000+) works in home settings but is wheeled, not bipedal. Purpose-built home humanoids like Figure 03 and 1X NEO have been announced but aren't yet available. Most analysts expect practical home humanoid robots in the $10,000-$20,000 range by 2028-2030.
Are humanoid robots worth the investment for businesses?
It depends on the use case. Warehouse logistics (Agility Digit with Amazon), automotive manufacturing (Figure 02 with BMW, Apollo with Mercedes-Benz), and customer service (Pepper) have demonstrated clear ROI in pilot programs. However, the technology is still maturing. Most businesses should start with a lease or pilot program rather than a large purchase. The economics improve significantly when robots operate 16-24 hours/day on tasks that are difficult to staff with human workers.
How much does it cost to maintain a humanoid robot per year?
Annual maintenance costs range from $1,000-$3,000 for consumer models (like the Unitree G1) to $5,000-$15,000 for commercial/enterprise robots. Major costs include actuator servicing, battery replacement (every 2-3 years), sensor recalibration, and software support contracts. Most manufacturers offer OTA software updates at no additional cost.
Related: The Most Advanced Humanoid Robot You Can Buy Right Now · The Economics of Humanoid Robot Production: Future Trends and Challenges
Ready to buy? Browse humanoid robots for sale on Robozaps.
