July 6 – Igeekphone News
At the end of June, UbiQ Robotics officially unveiled its U1 series of ultra-bionic humanoid robots, designed to provide emotional companionship across a wide range of scenarios. The lineup is priced between 11,980 yuan (about $1,670) and 990,000 yuan (approximately $137,500), covering both consumer and commercial markets.
However, shortly after the launch, one specification quickly became the center of online discussion. Several high-end models equipped with advanced anthropomorphic motion systems are officially rated for only 2 to 4 hours of battery life.
The limited runtime sparked widespread criticism on social media. Many users joked that the robots could not even last through a single evening of companionship, questioning the practicality of a product that costs anywhere from tens of thousands to nearly one million yuan.
UbiQ: 2–4 Hours Is the Current Industry Standard
In response to the growing debate, UbiQ Robotics issued an official statement explaining that a 2–4 hour operating time is currently standard for full-size humanoid robots in mass production worldwide. According to the company, the limitation reflects the current state of battery and robotics technology rather than a flaw unique to its products.
Product Line Targets Different Markets
UbiQ also clarified the positioning of its U1 lineup.
The U1 Lite half-body model and the U1 Pro full-body version are intended for home users and individual consumers. Meanwhile, the flagship U1 Ultra, priced at 990,000 yuan (around $137,500), is designed primarily for commercial applications rather than the general consumer market.
Designed for Emotional Support, Not Romantic Relationships
The company emphasized that its humanoid robots are intended to serve as emotional companion devices, supporting use cases such as elderly care and companionship for family members or friends. UbiQ stressed that the robots are not designed to function as virtual boyfriends or girlfriends, nor are they intended to replace human relationships, despite speculation circulating online.
Ethics Committee Established to Guide Development
UbiQ further noted that the global humanoid robotics industry still lacks widely accepted ethical standards and governance frameworks.
To address these concerns, the company says it has established an AI and Robotics Ethics Committee, making it one of the first companies in the industry to implement a formal ethics governance system. Ethical reviews will be integrated into every stage of the product lifecycle, including research and development, industrial design, manufacturing, marketing, sales, and real-world deployment, with the goal of identifying and mitigating potential ethical risks from the outset.