Noetix Robotics, a Beijing-based startup, has unveiled Bumi, a humanoid robot that costs about $1,400 (¥9,998). The development is a big step forward for the robotics industry. People are calling this price point similar to that of a high-end smartphone. This breakthrough could make technology once available only to well-funded research labs and businesses accessible to everyone.
Bumi is a small robot that is 3.1 feet (94 cm) tall and weighs 26.5 pounds (12 kg). It is not designed for heavy industrial work, but rather for making things easier to reach. Early tests have indicated that it can walk, balance, and dance with a lot of stability and fluidity for its size and low cost. The table below shows the most important features of the humanoid robot Bumi:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Name | Bumi |
| Developer | Noetix Robotics |
| Price | Between Nov 11 and Dec 12, shopping festivals |
| Height | 3.1 feet (94 cm) |
| Weight | 26.5 pounds (12 kg) |
| Key Capabilities | Walking, balancing, dancing |
| Target Market | Education, consumers, developers |
| Pre-order Date | Between Nov 11 and Dec 12 shopping festivals |
More than a Toy: Humanoid robot Bumi’s purpose and design
Noetix Robotics calls Bumi “the first consumer-grade humanoid robot in the world that costs less than ¥10,000.” The company’s goal is to turn humanoids from lab prototypes into everyday tools that students, teachers, and families can use. Bumi uses lightweight composite materials and an in-house motion-control system to keep its price low. It has 21 degrees of freedom, allowing it to move smoothly. The robot runs on a 48V battery, which means it can work for one to two hours on a single charge.
It supports drag-and-drop graphical programming for beginners and voice interaction, making it a STEM learning tool and a home companion. Bumi’s first appearance is part of a bigger trend in humanoid robotics, especially in China. Bumi is more than just a robot that does certain things.
It has an open programming interface, making it a creative platform where the next generation of engineers and AI developers can try out ideas and build new apps on cheap hardware. This low price could accelerate the adoption of robots in everyday life, making them common tools for learning and helpers around the house, just as personal computers did years ago.
