Chinese Startup Unveils Affordable Bumi Humanoid Robot
Key Points
- Noetix Robotics unveiled Bumi, a three‑foot‑tall, 26‑lb humanoid robot.
- Bumi is priced at about 10,000 yuan (≈ $1,400), targeting consumers and educators.
- The robot includes a programming interface for learning and creative projects.
- Pre‑orders for Bumi are slated to open later in the year.
- Noetix previously fielded the N2 model, which completed the world’s first robot half‑marathon.
- Bumi’s price undercuts Unitree’s R1 ($5,900) and Tesla’s Optimus bot (≈ $20,000).
- The low cost aims to broaden access to personal humanoid robotics for hobbyists and schools.
Beijing‑based Noetix Robotics introduced Bumi, a three‑foot‑tall, 26‑pound humanoid robot priced at roughly 10,000 yuan (about $1,400). Targeted at consumers and educators, the robot offers a programming interface for learning and creative projects and will be available for preorder later this year. Bumi follows Noetix’s earlier success with the N2 model, which finished the world’s first robot half‑marathon. At its price point, Bumi undercuts rivals such as Unitree’s R1 ($5,900) and Tesla’s Optimus bot (estimated $20,000), marking a new low‑cost benchmark in the humanoid market.
Introducing Bumi: A Low‑Cost Humanoid for Home and Classroom
Noetix Robotics, a startup based in Beijing, announced its newest product, the Bumi robot. Bumi stands about three feet tall and weighs roughly 26 pounds, making it compact enough for typical household or classroom settings. Priced at nearly 10,000 yuan, which translates to about $1,400, the robot is positioned as an affordable alternative to higher‑priced humanoids that are typically found in research labs.
The company emphasizes that Bumi is designed for consumer and educational use rather than industrial or research applications. It will ship with a programming interface that allows users to engage in learning activities, creative tasks, and basic robotics experimentation. Noetix plans to open pre‑orders later in the year, signaling an intent to bring the device to market quickly.
Background: Noetix’s Track Record in Robotics Competitions
Prior to Bumi, Noetix gained attention with its N2 model, which participated in the world’s first half‑marathon for robots. The N2 was one of only four robotic competitors to complete the race, demonstrating the company’s capability to build functional, endurance‑capable humanoids. This competitive success lays a foundation of credibility for the upcoming Bumi launch.
Market Comparison: Bumi Sets a New Price Benchmark
In the broader humanoid robot market, Bumi’s price is notably lower than comparable offerings. Unitree, another Chinese robotics firm, introduced the R1 robot at a starting price of $5,900, a figure that supports more complex tasks but remains significantly higher than Bumi’s cost. Meanwhile, Tesla’s Optimus bot has been cited with an early price estimate of around $20,000, positioning it as a premium option.
By undercutting both Unitree and Tesla, Bumi establishes a new low‑cost entry point for consumers seeking a personal humanoid robot. This pricing strategy could broaden access to robotics education and hobbyist experimentation, potentially expanding the market beyond specialized enthusiasts.
Implications and Outlook
The launch of Bumi reflects a growing trend toward democratizing advanced robotics technology. If the preorder phase proceeds smoothly, Noetix may capture a segment of users previously deterred by high entry costs. The robot’s modest size, manageable weight, and programmable features suggest it could find a niche in schools, maker spaces, and homes interested in STEM learning.
While Noetix has not disclosed detailed technical specifications beyond size, weight, and price, the company’s prior success in endurance racing hints at a reliable hardware foundation. As the market watches how Bumi performs post‑release, the robot may serve as a benchmark for future affordable humanoid designs.