Humanoid AI companions face backlash over limited capabilities
UBTech Robotics' U1 series humanoid robots, marketed as lifelike companions, have disappointed buyers with limited functions and slow responses. Deliveries are expected to fall far short of initial projections, and experts say the technology remains inadequate for deeper emotional connections.
Humanoid companion robots marketed as lifelike AI partners are facing consumer backlash in mainland China, with buyers questioning their high prices, limited capabilities and sluggish responses, The Standard reported on 8 November 2026.
UBTech Robotics, described as China's first listed humanoid robotics company, began delivering its U1 series in September. Launched on 30 June, the U1 series is priced between 119,800 yuan and 990,000 yuan. The male model stands 185cm tall and weighs 42kg, while the female model is 168cm tall and weighs 35.2kg. Both feature lifelike silicone skin designed to replicate human details such as pores and blood vessels and are equipped with the company's proprietary emotional AI model.
Unlike conventional service robots, the U1 series is designed primarily for emotional companionship rather than household chores, targeting consumers seeking psychological comfort and emotional support. UBTech initially reported more than 13,361 orders during the pre-sale period, with management pledging to deliver at least 10,000 units this year. However, UBTech founder Zhou Jian acknowledged in September that actual deliveries could reach only 1,500 to 2,000 units.
Mainland economist Pan Helin told Sing Tao Daily that the sharp drop in deliveries was unlikely to be caused by production constraints, but rather by the quality of pre-orders and weak consumer demand. He said current companion robots largely combine lifelike exteriors with large language models, meaning their emotional interaction capabilities remain at an early stage. Most versions cannot walk independently or perform household chores, while even the top-end model offers only two to four hours of battery life on a single charge.
Despite these limitations, China's consumer robotics market is attracting growing interest from manufacturers. Data from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology showed that China had more than 140 humanoid robot manufacturers last year, which had released over 330 related products. According to a research report by AVIC Securities, China's emotional economy was valued at 2.72 trillion yuan last year and is expected to exceed 3 trillion yuan this year.
Pan said humanoid companion robots may appeal to affluent consumers looking for novelty at home, but remain inadequate for those seeking deeper emotional connections. He added that manufacturers must improve production capabilities and interactive experiences while addressing privacy protection, content moderation and the risk of users developing excessive emotional dependence on robots.
The Interim Measures for the Management of Anthropomorphic Artificial Intelligence Interaction Services, which took effect on 15 July this year, also cover humanoid companion robots. The rules prohibit services from excessively catering to users or encouraging addiction and emotional dependence. Pan said operators should introduce safeguards to prevent users from becoming overly attached to robots and withdrawing from real-world social interactions.