First impressions count as Chinese buyers open their homes to UBTech’s consumer humanoids

When 39-year-old Beijing investor Song shelled out 159,800 yuan (US$23,680) for a companion robot, he knew it would not be cooking meals or scrubbing floors. For him, becoming one of China’s first owners of a consumer humanoid was more about embracing the cutting edge.“The happiest part is often the waiting,” Song said of his decision to buy the female version of the U1 Pro, made by Shenzhen-based UBTech Robotics.For years, humanoid robots have been confined to factory floors and structured assembly lines. Now, Chinese robotics firms are testing whether machines can find a home in living rooms.Unlike industrial robots built for repetitive tasks in controlled settings, household humanoids must navigate unpredictable spaces, interact naturally with people, and eventually deliver real companion value – or even domestic help.UBTech is among the first Chinese makers attempting the leap. The company said its U1 series had racked up 13,361 orders by June 30 – less than a month after opening pre-sales in early June – with initial deliveries scheduled to begin on September 16.The line-up spans three models – Lite, Pro and Ultra – ranging from partial-body units to full-sized humanoids, with prices running from 119,800 yuan to 990,000 yuan. Designed primarily for emotional companionship, the robots were capable of facial expressions, voice interaction and artificial intelligence-driven conversations, according to the company.