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

In a groundbreaking move, China's first wave of consumers has embraced the concept of owning companion robots, with 39-year-old Beijing investor Song leading the charge by purchasing a female U1 Pro humanoid for a hefty 159,800 yuan (US$23,680). Song emphasized that his primary motivation was to be part of China's technological frontier, rather than expecting the robot to perform household chores.

This pioneering purchase marks the start of a new era as Chinese robotics firms venture into the domestic market, testing whether humanoids can find a place in living rooms alongside traditional appliances.

The company UBTech Robotics, based in Shenzhen, has already secured 13,361 orders for its U1 series of consumer humanoids within a month of launching pre-sales in early June. The models range from partial-body units to full-sized humanoids, with prices starting from 119,800 yuan to a premium 990,000 yuan. Beyond their physical appearance, these robots are equipped with facial expressions, voice interaction, and AI-driven conversations, positioning them as emotional companions rather than mere laborers.

While some buyers, like Yang, a 30-year-old tech enthusiast from Yunnan, remain optimistic about the future potential of these robots, others like An and Ma express disappointment with the current capabilities. An, a 28-year-old from Zhejiang, felt let down after the launch event, which showcased only limited demonstrations of the robot's physical abilities. Ma, from Jiangsu, even requested a full refund after watching the event online, as the tech did not meet her expectations for an emotional companion.

These contrasting reactions underscore the significant challenge facing the humanoid robot sector: consumers are asked to invest in a vision that may not yet meet everyday practical needs. Despite these hurdles, market analysts predict a promising future. The growing demographic trends of an aging population, declining birth rates, and the rise of single-person households are fueling a "companionship economy," with the market for companion humanoids expected to reach US$1.1 billion by 2030, according to research firm TrendForce.

Investors like Zebin Wang of JG Investment view this potential as enormous, likening the market to the early adoption of robotic vacuum cleaners and foreseeing a future where domestic robots could eventually surpass the industrial market in terms of household utility.