What is the Unitree H2 Plus?
The Unitree H2 Plus is an advanced full-size humanoid robot developed by Unitree Robotics (Hangzhou, China), succeeding the widely recognized H1. It stands 180 cm tall and weighs 70 kg, offering 31 degrees of freedom with enhanced dexterity particularly in the torso and arms compared to the 27-DOF H1. With a top walking speed of 14.4 km/h and a payload capacity of 30 kg, it is designed for demanding research tasks, bipedal locomotion studies, and interactive applications. The H2 Plus is currently in a pre‑order phase, available exclusively to selected partners, positioning it as a cutting‑edge yet accessible platform for robotics labs and developers exploring general‑purpose humanoids.
Specifications
Here are the full technical specifications.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 180 cm |
| Weight | 70 kg |
| Degrees of freedom | 31 |
| Battery life | 2 hours |
| Max speed | 14.4 km/h |
| Payload | 30 kg |
| Price (new) | Undisclosed (contact manufacturer) |
| Price (used range) | N/A (no used units yet) |
Price & Value
New MSRP: Undisclosed (pre-order for partners only)
Used range: N/A
Unitree has not released public pricing for the H2 Plus, but industry observers expect it to slot between the affordable G1 (launched at $16,000) and the enterprise‑grade H1 ($90,000–$150,000). The $16,000 tag associated with some early leaks likely reflects dealer estimates rather than confirmed MSRP. Given Unitree’s aggressive pricing strategy, the H2 Plus could become the most cost‑effective full‑size humanoid with 31 DOF and 4 m/s speed when it reaches general availability. For now, pre‑order terms for partners remain undisclosed, and any total cost of ownership calculations (maintenance, accessories, training) are speculative. Once the robot ships, expect moderate depreciation in the secondary market, similar to the H1’s trajectory, making used units an attractive option for budget‑conscious labs.
Who Is It For?
Best for: - University robotics labs that need a 180 cm, 31‑DOF bipedal platform for dexterous manipulation and locomotion research. - Individual developers and hobbyists looking for a future‑proof humanoid with a strong SDK (expected Linux/ROS compatibility based on Unitree’s other models).
Not for: - Industrial assembly lines requiring certified safety ratings and payloads above 30 kg (no certifications published). - Immediate deployment projects — units are only available through a partner pre‑order program with unknown lead times.
Alternatives & Comparison
The H2 Plus enters a market where full‑size humanoids are still rare, with Tesla’s Optimus and Figure 02 being the most talked‑about competitors. However, none of them have transparent pricing, making direct cost comparisons difficult.
| Model | Price | Available | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Optimus Gen 2 | Undisclosed (aiming for mass‑market under $20,000) | preorder | Mass‑production focus and tight integration with Tesla’s AI ecosystem, but still in development; H2 Plus has a head start with proven Unitree hardware. |
| Figure 02 | Undisclosed (enterprise contracts only) | enterprise‑only | Commercially deployed in logistics with advanced AI‑driven dexterity; H2 Plus is more open to research and likely cheaper. |
| Unitree H1‑2 | $90,000 – $150,000 | yes | Direct predecessor with 27 DOF and 3.3 m/s speed; H2 Plus adds 4 more DOF and higher top speed, but H1‑2 is available today. |
Verdict: If you’re a research lab looking to push the envelope of dexterous manipulation on a humanoid budget, the H2 Plus clearly beats both Tesla Optimus and Figure 02 on expected price and openness. The pre‑order wait is a trade‑off — if you need a platform immediately, the H1‑2 is a solid fallback, but for the latest in Unitree’s evolution, the H2 Plus is the smarter bet for 2026 onward.
Use Cases & Capabilities
Bipedal Locomotion Research
With a 14.4 km/h max speed and full‑size 180 cm frame, the H2 Plus serves as an ideal testbed for dynamic walking, running, and fall‑recovery algorithms. Its 31 DOF and upgraded torso allow researchers to study whole‑body control and balance in a platform that closely approximates human proportions. The 2‑hour battery life supports extended laboratory sessions without interruption. Compared to the H1, the additional DOF and higher speed enable more realistic gait experiments and interaction with uneven terrain. Labs can leverage Unitree’s existing ROS/software stack to speed up development.
Manipulation and Object Handling
The improved arm and torso DOF make the H2 Plus especially capable for pick‑and‑place, tool use, and dual‑arm coordination tasks. With a payload of 30 kg, it can handle heavier objects than many research humanoids, opening up applications in warehouse mock‑ups and light assembly. The successor to the H1 with new wrist and torso joints promises smoother, more human‑like movements. While hand‑specific DOF is not yet disclosed, the overall dexterity upgrade is a substantial step forward. This makes the robot suitable for studying human‑robot hand‑over protocols and shared workspace interactions.
Human‑Robot Interaction (HRI) Studies
The H2 Plus’s human‑scale size and fluid motion make it an engaging platform for social robotics and HRI experiments. Its 180 cm height and 70 kg weight give it a physical presence similar to an adult human, enhancing realism in studies of trust, gaze, and gesture. Researchers can integrate multimodal sensors (e.g., depth cameras) to explore advanced perception‑response loops. The quiet operation expected from Unitree’s actuator technology further reduces the uncanny valley effect. Institutions can use the H2 Plus to prototype service‑robot behaviors before scaling to enterprise deployments.
Educational Robotics & Competitions
Despite its advanced specifications, the H2 Plus is marketed to hobbyists and individual developers, making it a candidate for university competitions and maker fairs. The pre‑order model suggests Unitree wants to expand its developer ecosystem beyond the professional R&D segment seen with the H1. With an anticipated SDK and ROS compatibility, students can program locomotion, manipulation, and perception tasks. The 2‑hour battery and robust payload also allow for outdoor demonstrations. Its availability in a relatively compact form (180 cm) fits standard lab spaces and competition arenas.
History & Background
Unitree Robotics was founded in 2016 in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China, quickly gaining fame with its low‑cost quadruped robots like the Go1 and B2. The company entered the humanoid market in 2023 with the H1, a 180‑cm, 27‑DOF robot that set speed records (3.3 m/s) and demonstrated acrobatics such as flips. An incremental update, the H1‑2, followed in 2024, adding a wrist DOF. The smaller, more affordable G1 (130 cm, 23 DOF, $16,000) launched the same year, targeting hobbyists and developers. In 2025, Unitree announced the H2 Plus as the direct successor to the H1, featuring 31 DOF, 4 m/s speed, and a refined torso for improved manipulation. The robot was unveiled alongside the R1 wheeled humanoid, and early pre‑orders were opened to partners. As of 2026, the H2 Plus remains in pre‑order, pending general release.
Buying Used — What to Check
Verify all 31 DOF function The increased DOF is the main upgrade; missing motion in torso or arms would drastically reduce value for manipulation research.
Check battery health and charge cycles A 2‑hour battery degrades over time; a used unit with a weak battery may need an expensive replacement.
Confirm software SDK and activation Pre‑order units may be tied to specific accounts or toolchains; ensure access to development tools before buying second‑hand.