The Noetix Bumi is the cheapest humanoid robot in the world at $1,400 (¥9,998), a child-sized bipedal robot standing 94 cm tall and weighing 12 kg. Built by Beijing-based startup Noetix Robotics (founded September 2023), Bumi walks, runs, dances, and responds to voice commands — all for less than the cost of a flagship smartphone. It sold 500 units within 48 hours of its October 2025 launch on JD.com and appeared at China's 2026 Spring Festival Gala alongside human actors before 677 million viewers. With 21+ degrees of freedom, a 48V battery providing 1–2 hours of runtime, open graphical programming, and a focus on education and family use, Bumi shatters the price barrier for bipedal humanoid robots. As of April 2026, it is available in China only, with international expansion planned.
Price Range
Bumi is priced to be the most affordable bipedal humanoid ever sold.
| Model | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Bumi Standard | ¥9,998 (~$1,400) | China — JD.com, pre-orders |
| Bumi EDU | Higher (contact Noetix) | Education-focused with secondary development support |
| Noetix N2 (larger model, 118 cm) | ¥39,900 (~$5,500) | China — 2,500+ orders |
| Future target (announced by CEO) | ~¥5,000 (~$700) | Planned future generation |
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Noetix Robotics founded | September 2023 |
| N2 robot finishes 2nd in world's first humanoid half-marathon (21 km, 3h 37m) | April 2025 |
| Pre-B funding: ~$41M (Vertex Ventures) | October 2025 |
| Bumi launched at ¥9,998 | October 2025 |
| 100 units sold in first hour | October 2025 |
| 500 units sold in 48 hours (JD.com) | October 2025 |
| Bumi appears at China's Spring Festival Gala (677M viewers) | February 16, 2026 |
| Company valuation | ~$200 million |
| Production capacity target | 1,000 units/month (late 2025) |
Full Specifications
Chassis and Build
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 94 cm (3.1 ft / 37 in) |
| Width | 34.5 cm |
| Depth | 19 cm |
| Weight | ~12 kg (26.5 lbs) |
| DOF | 21+ |
| Frame | Lightweight composite materials, modular design |
| Peak joint torque | 50 N·m (force-controlled joints) |
| Motion control | Proprietary reinforcement-learning-based algorithm |
Performance
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Movement speed | >0.5 m/s |
| Demonstrated capabilities | Bipedal walking, running, dancing, gymnastic gait effects |
| Motion algorithm | Imitation learning + reinforcement learning |
| Design philosophy | Education and family entertainment — not household labor or industrial work |
Battery and Power
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Battery | 48V, 3.5 Ah lithium |
| Runtime | 1–2 hours (usage dependent) |
| Form factor | Internal battery |
Sensors and Interaction
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Camera | Vision-based for scanning and object interaction |
| Voice interaction | Yes — app-level and voice commands |
| Programming | Graphical drag-and-drop programming (education-focused) |
| App control | Mobile application |
| Secondary development | Supported on Bumi EDU |
What's Known vs Not Yet Published
Noetix has published headline specs (height, weight, DOF, battery, price) but has not released detailed breakdowns of individual joint DOF, camera resolution, depth sensor type, IMU specifications, or grip force. As a newly launched product, these details may be published as production scales.
Why Bumi Matters
The Price Is the Point
At $1,400, Bumi costs less than an iPhone 17 Pro Max. It is the first time a bipedal humanoid robot has been priced as a consumer electronics device rather than research equipment. This price was achieved through 100% domestic Chinese component sourcing, lightweight composites, modular design, and venture funding to subsidize early production.
It's Real, Not Vaporware
500 units sold in 48 hours. A live Spring Festival Gala performance before 677 million viewers. The N2 predecessor completed a 21 km half-marathon. Noetix has positive cash flow (achieved 2024) and $41 million in recent funding. This is a shipping product from a funded company, not a concept render.
Education Is the Killer App
Bumi's graphical programming, voice interaction, and bipedal locomotion make it a natural fit for STEM classrooms, makerspaces, and home learning. Students can program gait patterns, motion sequences, and voice-triggered behaviors on a real walking robot at a price point schools can afford. This is Bumi's strongest market — not household chores or industrial work.
Buyer's Guide: What to Know Before Buying a Noetix Bumi
China-Only for Now
As of April 2026, Bumi is available exclusively in China through JD.com and Noetix's direct channels. Noetix has an English-language website suggesting international plans, but no specific timeline, international dealers, or overseas shipping options have been announced. If you're outside China, you cannot currently purchase Bumi.
It Is Not a Household Helper
Bumi cannot cook, clean, carry objects, or perform useful household labor. It has no dexterous hands, no meaningful payload capacity, and limited runtime (1–2 hours). It walks, dances, responds to commands, and serves as an educational/entertainment platform. Set expectations accordingly.
Battery Life Is Short
At 1–2 hours per charge, Bumi is suitable for classroom demonstrations, lab sessions, and short interaction periods — not extended daily operation. Plan activities around the battery window.
Specs Are Evolving
As a first-generation product from a startup founded in 2023, expect firmware updates, capability additions, and potential hardware revisions. Detailed sensor and computing specifications have not been fully published. Early adopters should be comfortable with an evolving product.
The N2 Is the More Capable Option
If you need more height (118 cm), more capability, and proven endurance (it ran a half-marathon), the Noetix N2 at $5,500 is the step-up. Bumi is the entry-level; N2 is the performance platform.
Noetix Bumi vs Similar Robots
- Bumi vs Unitree R1 Air: The R1 Air ($4,900) is 3.5× more expensive but significantly more capable: taller (123 cm vs 94 cm), heavier (25 kg vs 12 kg), more DOF (20 vs 21+), faster, and from a manufacturer with 30,000+ quadrupeds and 5,500+ humanoids shipped. The R1 is a serious robotics platform; Bumi is an educational entry point. Choose Bumi for budget; choose R1 for capability.
- Bumi vs Unitree G1: The G1 ($13,500+) is a full-size research humanoid with up to 43 DOF, dexterous hands, and full SDK access. Nearly 10× the price of Bumi. Completely different categories — Bumi is a classroom tool, G1 is a research instrument.
- Bumi vs SoftBank Pepper (used): A used Pepper ($3,000–$8,000) rolls on wheels, has emotion recognition, a touchscreen, and 20+ years of academic resources. Bumi walks on two legs and costs less. For new classroom deployments, Bumi is cheaper and more current. For HRI research with an established literature base, Pepper still has value.
- Bumi vs Noetix N2: The N2 ($5,500) is taller (118 cm), heavier (29 kg), ran a half-marathon, and has a proven competitive record. Bumi is smaller, lighter, and nearly 4× cheaper. The N2 is the capable sibling; Bumi is the accessible entry point.
- Bumi vs hobby robots (non-bipedal): Unlike wheeled educational robots, Bumi offers true bipedal walking — the defining feature of humanoid robotics. This makes it a better teaching tool for locomotion, balance, and gait concepts, at the trade-off of shorter runtime and higher complexity.
