Unitree Unveils Seven-Axis Dexterous Arm Starting at ¥9,900

Chinese robotics firm Unitree has officially unveiled its newest bionic seven-axis dexterous arm, the R1, with a starting price of RMB 9,900. The product is aimed at developers and industries that require precise and flexible manipulation, as reported by TechNode.

The R1 arm achieves a repeat-positioning accuracy of about 0.1 mm, which is critical for tasks such as electronic assembly or surgical assistance. Its maximum joint speeds exceed 180 degrees per second, allowing rapid motion while maintaining stability. When paired with a dexterous hand, the arm reaches up to 650 mm, covering a wide workspace. With a rated payload of 2 kg, it can handle typical components and light tools.

The 5.5 kg arm integrates force feedback and collision detection, enabling safe human-machine collaboration. It runs on an Ubuntu-based development environment, offering a familiar ecosystem for software engineers. The arm supports XT30 and CAN485 interfaces, ensuring compatibility with external sensors and controllers.

Unitree has stated that the control software and interfaces will be open-sourced, which could foster innovation and customization within the community. The arm is designed for multiple applications, including research, education, industrial assembly, and service robotics, where advanced dexterity is needed.

By entering the dexterous arm segment, Unitree aims to provide an affordable yet capable solution to accelerate robotics adoption across various sectors.