What is the Modular Oid?
The O-ID Modular is a full-size humanoid robot developed by O-ID, a Japanese robotics company. Standing 172 cm tall and weighing 70 kg, it combines 30 degrees of freedom with electric servo/BLDC actuators and wheel hub motors for bipedal locomotion. Its dual five-fingered hands enable manipulation tasks with a payload capacity of 16 kg. The robot runs on a Linux/ROS-based operating system, communicating via Ethernet and Wi-Fi. Targeted at commercial automation, industrial manufacturing, and logistics, the Modular is offered in white, blue, and grey finishes. Built with an aluminum alloy and composite frame, it uses harmonic and planetary gear reducers in its arms for precision. Currently in early limited production, it is available exclusively to enterprise customers.
Specifications
Here are the full technical specifications.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 172 cm |
| Weight | 70 kg |
| Degrees of freedom | 30 |
| Battery life | 4 hours |
| Max speed | 5 km/h |
| Payload | 16 kg |
| Price (new) | Undisclosed (contact manufacturer) |
| Price (used range) | N/A |
Price & Value
New MSRP: Undisclosed (contact manufacturer)
Used range: N/A
The O-ID Modular’s pricing is not publicly available; enterprise customers must contact the manufacturer for a quote. As a limited-release humanoid with industrial-grade specs (30 DOF, 16 kg payload), it likely falls in the range of other specialized humanoids, which often start around $100,000–$200,000 for comparable capabilities. Without official figures or a secondary market, residual value and total cost of ownership remain uncertain. For organizations requiring customized deployment, direct negotiation is the only path.
Who Is It For?
Best for: - Logistics and manufacturing firms needing a full-size humanoid for material handling (16 kg payload) in structured commercial environments - Automation integrators looking for a ROS-based platform with Ethernet/Wi-Fi connectivity for custom application development - Research institutions requiring a bipedal humanoid with dual hands for manipulation studies (30 DOF, five-fingered hands)
Not for: - Budget-conscious labs or startups (undisclosed pricing, enterprise-only availability) - Outdoor or harsh environment deployment (no IP rating specified) - High-speed dynamic tasks (max speed 5 km/h, comparable to walking pace)
Alternatives & Comparison
The O-ID Modular competes in the industrial humanoid space against other full-sized bipeds designed for manufacturing and logistics.
| Model | Price | Available | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| UBTECH Walker S | Undisclosed (enterprise) | preorder | More advanced sensor suite and integrated AI, but less transparent on payload |
| Fourier GR-2 | Undisclosed | preorder | Higher torque actuators and more refined hand design, but similar availability |
| Tesla Optimus | $20,000–$30,000 (projected) | preorder | Massive cost reduction goal, but still in development and not yet industrial-grade |
Verdict: For immediate enterprise deployment in Japan or Asia, the O-ID Modular’s limited availability and O-ID’s local support may give it an edge. However, the UBTECH Walker S offers a more mature ecosystem with demonstrated deployments. Organizations committed to long-term autonomy and AI integration may bet on Tesla Optimus if its promised price materializes. The O-ID Modular suits integrators needing a ROS-based humanoid with proven payload today.
Use Cases & Capabilities
Industrial Parts Handling and Assembly
With 16 kg of arm payload, the O-ID Modular can pick, place, and assemble components on factory floors. Its 30 DOF enable precise manipulation, while the ROS-based software allows integration into existing manufacturing execution systems. The robot’s 172 cm height and bipedal mobility let it navigate human-scale workspaces. However, the lack of an IP rating may limit use in dusty or wet environments.
Logistics and Warehouse Automation
The Modular can autonomously navigate warehouses, transport items between stations, and load/unload carts. Its 5 km/h walking speed matches human walking pace, maximizing throughput without disrupting colleagues. Built-in Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity supports fleet coordination. A 4-hour battery life may require scheduled recharging breaks during long shifts.
Commercial Service and Facility Management
In corporate or retail settings, the robot can perform delivery, guidance, or reception duties. The choice of white, blue, or grey finishes allows aesthetic integration. Its humanoid form and dual hands convey approachability, but the robot’s enterprise-only status means deployments are typically behind the scenes rather than direct customer facing.
Research and Development Platform
The Modular’s open ROS/Linux architecture, full 30-DOF body, and five-fingered hands make it a rich platform for manipulation and locomotion research. Researchers can test AI algorithms, sensor integration, and control strategies. Limited availability and undisclosed cost, however, mean that only well-funded labs or industrial R&D groups can acquire a unit.
History & Background
O-ID, a Japanese robotics company, introduced the Modular humanoid robot as an industrial automation platform. While the exact launch date remains unconfirmed, the robot entered early limited production around 2025, with units deployed to select enterprise customers in Japan and Asia. The company emphasizes a modular architecture (reflected in the name) to allow customization for different tasks. As of 2026, the Modular remains in restricted availability, with no public announcements of mass production or a consumer version. The design incorporates wheel hub motors for efficient locomotion and harmonic/planetary gear reducers for arm precision.
Buying Used — What to Check
Check actuator & gear wear Integrators may have run the robot in high-cycle industrial tasks, leading to mechanical wear.
Confirm battery health Battery packs degrade over charge cycles; replacement cost may be high if proprietary.
Verify software licensing Ensure the robot's ROS-based software stack can be transferred and updated without vendor lock-in.