Chinese startup Noetix launches $1.4K humanoid robot for consumers

Beijing-based startup Noetix Robotics has unveiled Bumi, a consumer-focused humanoid robot priced at approximately $1,400—roughly the cost of a flagship smartphone. The affordable robot represents a significant price breakthrough in the humanoid robotics market, undercutting competitors by thousands of dollars while targeting everyday consumers and educational users.

What you should know: Bumi stands three feet tall, weighs 26 pounds, and is designed specifically for consumer and educational applications rather than industrial use.

• Early demonstrations show the robot walking and dancing, with plans to include a programming interface for learning and creative tasks.
• Noetix plans to open preorders for Bumi later this year, making it one of the most accessible humanoid robots for general consumers.

Competitive landscape: Bumi’s $1,400 price point significantly undercuts existing alternatives in the affordable robotics space.

• Unitree’s R1 robot, announced earlier this year, starts at $5,900 and can handle more complex tasks than the current Bumi demonstrations suggest.
• Tesla’s Optimus robot carries an early price estimate of around $20,000, making both Bumi and the R1 considerably more accessible options.

Company background: Noetix Robotics has demonstrated its technical capabilities beyond consumer products.

• The company previously competed in the world’s first robot half-marathon with its N2 model, which was one of only four robotic competitors to complete the race.
• This achievement showcases the startup’s broader robotics expertise despite Bumi’s focus on simpler consumer applications.

Why this matters: The sub-$1,500 price point could democratize access to humanoid robotics technology, potentially accelerating consumer adoption and educational integration. While current capabilities appear limited to basic movement and entertainment, the planned programming interface suggests potential for expanded functionality as the platform develops.