What is the Star1?
The Robotera Star1 is a next-generation humanoid robot developed by Beijing-based Robotera, unveiled as part of the company's push into high-performance bipedal systems. Designed for exceptional mobility, the Star1 stands 171 cm tall and weighs 63 kg, featuring 55 degrees of freedom across its body. Its standout capability is dynamic walking at speeds up to 13 km/h, currently the fastest known bipedal robot. The platform integrates powerful lower-limb actuation and a humanoid form factor, targeting applications in research, logistics, and eventual service roles. As a prototype, it is not commercially available but showcases Robotera's engineering focus on locomotion agility.
Specifications
Here are the full technical specifications.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 171 cm |
| Weight | 63 kg |
| Degrees of freedom | 55 |
| Battery life | 4 hours |
| Max speed | 12.9 km/h |
| Payload | 20 kg |
| Price (new) | $120,000 |
| Price (used range) | N/A — pre-commercial prototype |
Price & Value
New MSRP: $120,000
Used range: N/A
At $120,000, the Star1 represents a significant investment for research institutions targeting cutting-edge bipedal locomotion. It competes with other advanced humanoids like the Unitree H1 (~$90,000) and Agility Robotics’ Digit, but its unmatched top speed may justify the premium for labs focused on high-speed walking and running algorithms. As a prototype, depreciation is not a factor, but pricing is based on pre-release estimates and could change when commercial units ship. Compared to the lower-cost Kepler K2 ($25,000), the Star1 offers extreme performance that budget-conscious buyers will need to weigh carefully.
Who Is It For?
Best for: - University robotics labs focusing on bipedal locomotion research (55 DOF and 3.6 m/s speed enable cutting-edge gait studies and dynamic balance experiments) - Industrial R&D teams exploring high-speed humanoid applications in logistics and last-mile delivery, where rapid movement is critical - Competitive robotics teams needing the fastest platform for events like the RoboCup Humanoid League or agility races
Not for: - Heavy industrial tasks (payload limited to 20 kg, not suitable for lifting heavy loads) - Deployment in factory or public environments without additional safety certification (not yet verified for human-safe operation) - Buyers seeking a ready-to-deploy commercial humanoid — this remains a research prototype with limited availability
Alternatives & Comparison
While Star1's pricing and availability remain undisclosed, several established humanoid robots offer known entry points for different use cases and budgets.
| Model | Price | Available | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unitree G1 | $13,500 – $73,900 | yes | Starts far cheaper than Star1's unknown price, with a lighter payload and smaller form factor |
| Tesla Optimus Gen 2 | $20,000 – $1,000,000 | yes | Promises mass-market affordability at the low end but has no confirmed delivery timeline or spec sheet, unlike Star1's ambiguous status |
| Figure 02 | $130,000 | research only | Priced at a fixed enterprise tier, but restricted to research partners — Star1's unknown availability may be broader or narrower |
Verdict: For budget-conscious developers or early adopters who need a known, purchasable robot today, the Unitree G1 wins on accessibility and price transparency. For deep-pocketed research labs seeking a proven industrial candidate, Figure 02 is the safe choice despite the research-only restriction. Star1's complete opacity makes it impossible to recommend over these concrete options unless it later reveals a compelling price or unique capability. ## Use Cases & Capabilities
High-Speed Bipedal Locomotion Research
The Star1’s 3.6 m/s top speed and 55 DOF make it an ideal testbed for developing advanced gait controllers, footstep planners, and reinforcement learning algorithms for fast walking and running. Researchers can study dynamic balance at the edge of humanoid performance and test new motor control strategies in real-world conditions.
Logistics and Warehouse Prototyping
With its tall stance and 20 kg payload, the Star1 can be used to simulate human-like movement in logistics environments, such as carrying parcels or navigating narrow aisles. While not yet deployment-ready, organizations can prototype their workflows and benchmark the benefits of high-speed humanoid workers for future implementation.
Competitive Robotics and Agility Challenges
University teams and private entrants can use the Star1 as a platform for robot races, obstacle courses, or DARPA-like challenges focused on speed and mobility. Its industry-leading pace gives teams a competitive edge in events where sprinting and dynamic maneuvers are the key to victory.
History & Background
Robotera, a Beijing-based humanoid robotics startup, unveiled the Star1 in 2025 as their flagship platform, targeting a 2026–2027 market entry. The company emerged from a team of engineers with backgrounds in bipedal locomotion and actuator design, focusing specifically on pushing maximum walking speed. The Star1 is the first model in Robotera’s planned lineup, and its reveal marked the company as a significant contender in the race for the fastest humanoid robot. No variant generations or ownership changes have been announced; the prototype remains the sole configuration as of early 2026.
Buying Used — What to Check
Firmware version and controller calibration logs Early prototypes may have outdated or experimental firmware that affects stability and safety.
Motor and gearbox wear inspection High-speed testing can cause accelerated wear on lower-limb actuators, especially if pushed to max velocity frequently.
Structural integrity of frame and joints Crashes during velocity trials can lead to micro-fractures or alignment issues that may not be immediately visible.