Blue Insect Embodied launches modular Mantis Standard humanoid robot from RMB 9,800

Blue Insect Embodied, a technology-transfer company linked to Xi’an Jiaotong University, has launched the Mantis Standard humanoid robot, also called “Xiaobai,” with a starting price of RMB 9,800. TechNode reported the launch, citing Phoenix. The robot is built around a modular architecture, and its sub-RMB 10,000 entry price puts it near the low end of the humanoid robot market. That price point is significant because most humanoid platforms remain expensive research tools.

The Mantis Standard uses standardized modules for its chassis, arms, waist, and head. These modules connect through quick-install interfaces, according to the company. This design lets users replace, upgrade, or reconfigure individual parts without rebuilding the whole robot. Blue Insect Embodied says the robot has 22 degrees of freedom, which supports a wide range of motion for manipulation and positioning. The 22 degrees of freedom are distributed across the robot’s joints, allowing coordinated movement of the upper body, waist, and base. Modularity can also reduce maintenance time and make it easier for labs to customize the platform for specific experiments.

For arm performance, the robot offers a 7-kilogram single-arm payload and a 663-millimeter arm span. Its teleoperation latency is below 10 milliseconds, a specification that matters for remote-controlled tasks. Low latency helps operators avoid delays that can disrupt fine manipulation, especially when the robot is used for inspections, demonstrations, or remote operation. For teleoperation, a latency below 10 milliseconds is fast enough to support near-real-time control. The payload and reach suggest the Mantis Standard can handle small to medium-sized objects, although actual performance will depend on the end effector, control software, and task requirements.

The waist can lift through 550 millimeters, and the omnidirectional base supports three degrees of freedom. The base can move forward at up to 3 meters per second and offers three hours of battery life, according to the listed specifications. An omnidirectional base with three degrees of freedom allows the robot to move in multiple directions without turning first, which can improve maneuverability in tight spaces. Those features point to indoor applications such as laboratories, classrooms, exhibition halls, and light logistics. The top speed is notable for a humanoid platform, but real-world battery life and continuous operation will vary with payload, terrain, and usage patterns.

At RMB 9,800, the Mantis Standard is priced aggressively compared with many humanoid robots, which often cost tens or hundreds of thousands of yuan. The low entry price may attract universities, robotics labs, hobbyists, and startups that want a humanoid platform without a large upfront investment. A starting price of RMB 9,800 does not necessarily include every option, and final configurations may cost more. Blue Insect Embodied’s origins as a Xi’an Jiaotong University technology-transfer company also reflect a broader trend: academic robotics research is increasingly moving into commercial products. The “Xiaobai” nickname, meaning “Little White,” gives the robot a friendly identity that could help in education and public engagement.

A low starting price and modular hardware do not guarantee broad adoption, however. Humanoid robots also require robust software, safe control systems, reliable perception, and a strong developer ecosystem. The Mantis Standard’s value will depend on whether Blue Insect Embodied can provide documentation, APIs, simulation tools, and support for third-party modules. The report did not disclose detailed application targets, but the specifications suggest a general-purpose platform rather than a single-purpose machine.

TechNode’s coverage, citing Phoenix, frames the launch as part of a wider push to make humanoid robots more accessible. If the modular approach works as intended, it could lower barriers for smaller teams and accelerate experimentation in embodied AI. The humanoid robot sector has seen increasing investment and competition, with companies targeting factories, warehouses, homes, and research labs. The Mantis Standard may not match the capabilities of high-end humanoid robots, but its price and modularity could make it a practical entry point for research and development. For now, the launch adds another low-cost option to a rapidly growing field.