What is the Donut Cinnamon 1?
The Cinnamon 1 is a full‑size humanoid robot designed by Donut Robotics Co., Ltd., headquartered in Japan. Intended primarily for social interaction, companionship, and light assistance, it is being developed for deployment in Japanese schools and hospitals. The robot stands approximately 160–180 cm tall and weighs 60–90 kg, featuring an advanced onboard AI computing system with likely vision‑language integration. It utilizes standard biped actuators and a custom operating system. Despite marketing that suggests a child‑sized form factor, the actual dimensions place it in the adult humanoid category. The Cinnamon 1 is a pre‑commercial prototype with a list price of $165,000, targeting education, healthcare, and service sectors.
Specifications
Here are the full technical specifications.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | ~160–180 cm |
| Weight | ~60–90 kg |
| Degrees of freedom | ~20–30 |
| Battery life | 2 hours |
| Max speed | 3.5 km/h |
| Payload | 6 kg |
| Price (new) | $165,000 |
| Price (used range) | N/A |
Price & Value
New MSRP: $165,000
Used range: N/A
Donut Robotics lists the Cinnamon 1 at $165,000, but as a prototype, this price may change upon commercial release. Compared to other full‑size humanoids, it sits in the mid‑range: Unitree H1 is $150,000, while Fourier GR‑2 is around $200,000. The value proposition hinges on its social AI capabilities and focus on safe human interaction, which could justify the cost for institutions needing a companion robot. However, the low 6 kg payload and 2‑hour battery life may limit its utility in more demanding roles. Total cost of ownership will depend on final hardware, software, and support contracts. As of 2026, no used market exists, so buyers should expect to pay full list price when orders open.
Who Is It For?
Best for: - Hospitals seeking a social companion robot for patient interaction (safe, human‑friendly design) - Schools and universities researching social robotics or implementing robot‑assisted education - Service businesses needing a humanoid greeter for light customer engagement tasks
Not for: - Industrial heavy lifting (6 kg payload is insufficient for manufacturing parts) - Outdoor or harsh environment tasks (no IP rating, limited battery) - Dynamic locomotion or search‑and‑rescue (max speed 3.5 km/h, no climbing capability)
Alternatives & Comparison
The Cinnamon 1 competes with a growing field of full‑size humanoid robots targeting service and light industrial tasks. Below we compare it to three alternatives that buyers would realistically evaluate.
| Model | Price | Available | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unitree H1 | $150,000 | preorder | Faster movement and higher payload (15 kg+), dynamic locomotion |
| Fourier GR-2 | ~$200,000 (est.) | preorder | Dexterous hands with 12 DOF per hand for fine manipulation |
| UBTECH Walker S | ~$150,000 (est.) | preorder | Advanced navigation and service interaction for commercial environments |
Verdict: For education and hospital companion use, the Cinnamon 1’s refined social AI and safe interaction design may give it an edge. However, for buyers needing higher payloads or dynamic locomotion, the Unitree H1 is a more proven platform at a similar price. The Fourier GR‑2 suits those requiring fine manipulation, while the Walker S targets hospitality. Overall, the Cinnamon 1 remains a promising but unproven option.
Use Cases & Capabilities
Companionship and Social Interaction
The Cinnamon 1 is built to engage with people in schools and hospitals, offering conversation, emotional support, and entertainment. Its likely LLM integration allows it to understand and respond to natural language, creating a more human‑like interaction. With a safe‑human design and moderate size, it can move among patients and students without intimidation. However, its 2‑hour battery life may limit extended social sessions without frequent recharging. The robot’s facial expressions and gestures are yet to be detailed, but they will be key to its social appeal.
Education and Research
Schools can use Cinnamon 1 as a teaching assistant, demonstrating robotics concepts or providing language lessons. Its custom OS and AI computing might be accessible for university researchers studying human‑robot interaction. The moderate speed and low payload make it suitable for indoor classroom environments. Programming interfaces have not been disclosed, which could limit its adoption in research labs unless SDKs are provided. Donut Robotics aims to sell directly to educational institutions, potentially bundling software and curriculum.
Light Service Assistance
In retail or hospitality, the robot could greet visitors, guide them, or carry small items, leveraging its 6 kg payload. It moves at a brisk walking pace of 3.5 km/h, sufficient for indoor spaces. Its humanoid appearance may enhance customer engagement compared to wheeled robots. The lack of ingress protection restricts it to dry, clean environments. The target service market suggests it may eventually be deployed in airports or hotels.
Healthcare Support
Cinnamon 1 is intended to assist nurses and staff by delivering lightweight supplies, providing companionship to patients, and monitoring ward conditions. Its safe interaction design ensures it can work near patients without risk. However, its 6 kg payload may only carry a few water bottles or documents. The 2‑hour runtime may not cover an entire shift, requiring multiple charges. Hospitals would benefit from its ability to free up staff for more complex tasks.
Security Monitoring
Equipped with likely cameras and AI vision, Cinnamon 1 could patrol corridors, detect anomalies, and alert human guards. Its standard biped actuators allow it to walk at 3.5 km/h, but it may struggle with stairs or uneven terrain. The lack of IP rating means it is not suited for outdoor or wet conditions. For indoor security, it offers a visible deterrent and real‑time monitoring. However, the limited battery life may necessitate frequent docking, and no autonomy figures are available.
History & Background
Donut Robotics is a Japanese company specializing in AI integration for robots and also building its own hardware. The Cinnamon 1 was first built in 2024 as the company’s first humanoid robot, revealed alongside its proprietary donut AI platform. The robot is intended to be one of the first domestically produced full‑size humanoids for social applications in Japan. As of 2026, it remains a prototype with no announced release date or subsequent generations. The company has not publicly disclosed detailed technical specifications, leading to some inconsistencies in reported values. The project is ongoing, with the primary target market being education and healthcare.
Buying Used — What to Check
Verify payload rating Payload is critical for intended assistance tasks; 6 kg may be insufficient for some roles.
Confirm battery life 2‑hour runtime is short for extended shifts; check if swappable or fast‑charge options exist.
Check actual dimensions Discrepancy between marketing and specs; ensure the unit’s size matches your space and intended use.
