China's Noetix Robotics Debuts $1,402 'Bumi' Humanoid Robot, Signaling Consumer Market Entry

Beijing, China – Noetix Robotics, a Chinese start-up, has unveiled a "family-friendly" humanoid robot named Bumi, priced at 9,988 yuan (approximately US$1,402). This launch marks a significant step in China's push to introduce humanoid robots into consumer homes, making advanced robotics more accessible than ever before. Presales for the child-sized robot, which stands 94cm tall and weighs 12kg, commenced recently.

"Presale for the child-sized robot, named Bumi and priced at 9,988 yuan (US$1,402), began on Wednesday. The humanoid stands 94cm tall and weighs 12kg, according to the company."

Noetix Robotics, founded in 2023 by Jiang Zheyuan, positions Bumi as the "industry’s first consumer-grade humanoid robot priced below ¥10,000." The robot is designed for educational and family use, featuring a lightweight composite material construction, a self-developed motion control system, and an open programming interface. It is capable of bipedal walking and flexible dance movements, with a battery life of one to two hours.

This development highlights a broader trend within China's robotics industry, which is aggressively working to produce more affordable humanoid robots. The market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by technological advancements, strong government support, and increasing investment. Official policies, such as the "Guiding Opinions on the Innovative Development of Humanoid Robots," aim for mass production by 2025 and a robust supply chain by 2027.

Another key player in this race is Unitree Robotics, which introduced its R1 model in July at 39,999 yuan (about US$5,900). The R1, while more expensive than Bumi, represents a significant price reduction from Unitree's earlier G1 model, which starts at US$16,000. The R1 is a 121cm, 25kg robot designed for developers and researchers, equipped with a binocular camera and offering a one-hour battery life.

The emergence of robots like Bumi and Unitree's R1 demonstrates a strategic shift toward making humanoid technology commercially viable for a wider audience. This push is expected to accelerate innovation and expand application scenarios, potentially transforming the robotics landscape from specialized industrial tools to everyday household devices. Noetix plans to sell Bumi through e-commerce platforms like JD.com during major shopping festivals.