An increasing number of consumers in China are purchasing humanoid companion robots, though reactions to the technology have been mixed as companies push the boundary of what household robots can offer.
Shenzhen-based UBTech Robotics has introduced its UI series, a line of humanoid robots designed primarily for emotional companionship rather than practical household chores. The models, which range in price from 119,800 yuan to 990,000 yuan, include three variants—Lite, Pro, and Ultra—spanning from partial-body units to fully-fledged humanoids. The robots can produce facial expressions, engage in voice interaction, and hold conversations powered by artificial intelligence.
By the end of June, UBTech reported receiving 13,361 orders, just weeks after launching pre-sales in early June. Initial deliveries are scheduled for mid-September. The company is targeting consumers interested in the intersection of robotics and AI as potential companions in domestic environments traditionally dominated by human activity.
Some early adopters, such as 39-year-old investor Song from Beijing, see ownership as an opportunity to experience emerging technology firsthand rather than to acquire a practical helper. “The happiest part is often the waiting,” he said of his purchase of the female UI Pro model.
However, not all customers have shared this enthusiasm. A 28-year-old buyer from Jiangsu province canceled her full deposit after attending the product launch online. She expressed disappointment with the limited physical capabilities demonstrated and voiced concerns that the current technology fell short of expectations for a domestic companion robot.
These contrasting responses underscore the challenges for manufacturers in convincing consumers to invest in a technology that is still developing the ability to perform the household tasks often associated with robotic helpers.
UBTech CEO Zhou Jian acknowledged these issues, describing emotional interaction as a pragmatic initial focus for their products. “With AI capabilities developing, robots can first achieve companionship through large language models and emotional AI models,” he said. Zhou suggested that practical functions such as cleaning, laundry, and cooking could be integrated with emotional intelligence features in the future, pointing to a gradual evolution rather than an immediate breakthrough.
As robotics firms explore the path from industrial applications to everyday home use, the reception from early buyers highlights both the promise and the limitations of current humanoid companion robots.