robots in reach.Let’s talk

ROBOT WATCH / CHECKED SEPTEMBER 22, 2026

What we teach on.
What we’re watching.

The shortlist

01TonyPi Pro (8GB)HiwonderOfficial siteHumanoid · ≈4.0 lb$1,050OrderedClear · under 4.4 lbOursThe core humanoid, taught by written instruction.
02SO-ARM101 Advanced KitHiwonder · open SO-101 designOfficial siteArm · Desk arm, leader + follower$460OrderedClear · stationaryOursTaught by demonstration, the opposite of the TonyPi.
031X NEOUS1X TechnologiesOfficial siteHumanoid · Full-size · 66 lb$20,000On orderClear · US-builtOursA full-size, soft-bodied humanoid that takes spoken instructions.
04Unitree R1 EDUUnitree RoboticsOfficial siteHumanoid · 121 cm · 25–29 kg$10,500–15,950Direct / US dealerClear · grant 22 JunBuy laterA 121 cm humanoid with a full developer SDK, so our natural-language layer can drive it directly.
05Booster K1Booster RoboticsOfficial siteHumanoid · 95 cm · 19.5 kg$7,500+ $1,131 shippingNo grant foundVerify firstMid-size RoboCup champion, if the FCC check passes.
06WidowX AIUSTrossen RoboticsOfficial siteArm · 700 mm reach · 1.5 kg payload$4,546–4,996per armClear · stationaryBuy laterThe sturdy US step up from the SO-ARM101.
07ROBOTIS OP3ROBOTISOfficial siteHumanoid · Mid-size · specs unverified$11,969UnverifiedFallbackMature ROS research humanoid: a fallback, not a first choice.
08Stretch 3USHello RobotOfficial siteMobile manipulator · Mobile base + telescoping arm$24,950Clear · US companyAspirationalBest-supported mobile manipulator, ideal for “go get that” instructions.

PLAN

Next moves

  1. After the first paid sessions: Unitree R1 EDUPay the US-dealer premium for the Orin compute, US fulfilment and warranty. Run it on its own network with Bluetooth off, and tell the insurer first.
  2. Before any Booster K1 or OP3 purchase: check the FCC IDNo grant found for either. If a model wasn’t authorised before 28 July 2026, it can’t be sold new in the US.

RULE OF THUMB

Can it legally be bought?

Since 28 July 2026, a foreign-made robot that moves on the ground, weighs over 4.4 lb, and has sensors, wireless and autonomy software can’t get new FCC authorisation. Models authorised before that date can still be sold. So stationary arms, robots under 4.4 lb and pre-cutoff models are fine. For anything else, get the FCC ID and check the grant date before paying.

ClearVerify firstBlocked

Ruled out

Not on the shortlist, but still checked every week in case something changes.

AGIBOT X1Quote only.Bittle XNot the right fit for our format: a small robot-dog kit rather than the humanoids and arms we teach on.Sold out at Petoi; listed on AmazonFauna SproutQuote only, about $50,000.Hello Robot Stretch 4$30,000. Stretch 3 covers the same ground for less.Hiwonder AiNexRuns only ROS 1 and overlaps the TonyPi.Menlo Asimov 1About $20,000 DIY kit with a $499 deposit. Not practical for workshops.Noetix BumiChina-only at $1,400. The US EDU version is $9,995 with unknown FCC status.Reachy Mini WirelessNot the right fit for our format: a stationary desktop companion rather than a robot that works through a task.Shipping in batches through 2026ROBOTIS AI Sapiens K1No price or ship date.Steel BotAnnouncement only; nothing to buy.Unitree R1 Air and base R1No SDK ($4,900 / $5,900), so the natural-language layer can’t drive them.VEX AIM Classroom BundleNot the right fit for our format: small classroom coding robots rather than the humanoids and arms we teach on.In stock at VEXWestwood BRUCEUS company, $8,950 and taking orders, but too little independent evidence yet. Worth watching.

Prices in US dollars before tax. “Clear” means the FCC’s July 28, 2026 Covered List rule does not stop a new purchase: the robot is stationary, under 4.4 lb, made in the US, or its model was authorised before the cutoff.