Unitree G1 vs Unitree G1 EDU
Last reviewed: 2026-08-31
In short: choose Unitree G1 (standard) for demos, events, basic education and budget-conscious projects where you don't need fine manipulation or on-board AI compute. Choose G1 EDU for AI research and development — it adds Dex3-1 dexterous hands (7 degrees of freedom), an on-board NVIDIA Jetson Orin computer (for VLA/VLM, reinforcement and imitation learning), up to 43 degrees of freedom, SDK access (secondary development) and a 1-year warranty. In practice, G1 EDU is the lab platform; G1 is the presentation and learning version.
Who each is for
Unitree G1 (standard)
- ✓Demos, events, brand activations
- ✓Education and first steps in humanoid robotics
- ✓Controlled budget, no need for fine manipulation
- ✓Locomotion and motion, no heavy on-board AI compute
Unitree G1 EDU
- ✓AI research: reinforcement / imitation learning, VLA/VLM
- ✓Dexterous manipulation (Dex3-1 hands) and fine tasks
- ✓University labs, projects using the SDK / own development
- ✓On-board compute (Jetson Orin) for perception and control
The differences that matter
| Unitree G1 | Unitree G1 EDU | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight (with battery) | ≈ 35 kg | ≈ 35+ kg |
| Degrees of freedom (total) | 23 | 23 ~ 43 |
| Waist degrees of freedom | 1 | 1+ (2 more optional) |
| Hand degrees of freedom | — | 7 (Dex3-1 hand, 3 fingers) + 2 wrist (optional) |
| Knee joint torque | 90 N·m | 120 N·m |
| Max arm payload | ≈ 2 kg | ≈ 3 kg |
| Processor | 8-core high-performance CPU | 8-core CPU + NVIDIA Jetson Orin |
| Secondary development (SDK) | — | Yes |
| Warranty | 8 months | 1 year |
Full specifications
Dimensions & mass
| Unitree G1 | Unitree G1 EDU | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (standing) | 1320 × 450 × 200 mm | 1320 × 450 × 200 mm |
| Dimensions (folded) | 690 × 450 × 300 mm | 690 × 450 × 300 mm |
| Weight (with battery) | ≈ 35 kg | ≈ 35+ kg |
Motion & dexterity
| Unitree G1 | Unitree G1 EDU | |
|---|---|---|
| Degrees of freedom (total) | 23 | 23 ~ 43 |
| Leg degrees of freedom | 6 | 6 |
| Waist degrees of freedom | 1 | 1+ (2 more optional) |
| Arm degrees of freedom | 5 | 5 |
| Hand degrees of freedom | — | 7 (Dex3-1 hand, 3 fingers) + 2 wrist (optional) |
| Knee joint torque | 90 N·m | 120 N·m |
| Max arm payload | ≈ 2 kg | ≈ 3 kg |
| Arm span | ≈ 0.45 m | ≈ 0.45 m |
Perception & compute
| Unitree G1 | Unitree G1 EDU | |
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Depth camera + 3D LiDAR | Depth camera + 3D LiDAR |
| Processor | 8-core high-performance CPU | 8-core CPU + NVIDIA Jetson Orin |
| Microphones | 4 (noise-cancelling) | 4 (noise-cancelling) |
| Speaker | 5W, stereo | 5W, stereo |
| Wi-Fi + Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
Power
| Unitree G1 | Unitree G1 EDU | |
|---|---|---|
| Smart battery | 9000 mAh | 9000 mAh |
| Charger | 54V / 5A | 54V / 5A |
| Battery life | ≈ 2 h | ≈ 2 h |
Software & warranty
| Unitree G1 | Unitree G1 EDU | |
|---|---|---|
| Secondary development (SDK) | — | Yes |
| Smart OTA | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 8 months | 1 year |
The remaining specifications are identical on both models (dimensions, sensors, battery, battery life, connectivity).
Frequently asked questions
What's the real difference between G1 and G1 EDU?
G1 EDU adds Dex3-1 dexterous hands, an on-board NVIDIA Jetson Orin computer, more degrees of freedom (up to 43), SDK access for your own development, higher torque and payload, and a 1-year warranty. Standard G1 targets locomotion, demos and education.
Which model for a university AI research lab?
G1 EDU. You need the on-board Jetson Orin compute, the dexterous hands for manipulation and the SDK to run your own algorithms (reinforcement/imitation learning, VLA/VLM models).
Can the standard G1 be programmed?
G1 supports OTA and operation, but full secondary development (SDK for your own code) is available on G1 EDU. For advanced software integration we recommend EDU.
Do they have a public price?
No — both are quote-based. IRIS Robotics is the official Unitree distributor in Romania and provides pricing, configuration, integration, training and technical support.
Does IRIS Robotics also help with integration?
Yes. Beyond supplying the robot, we build custom AI software, integrate the robot into your lab or workflow, provide training and support, and help with procurement through EU funds / public tenders.
Sources
Not sure which model fits you?
Tell us your use case (research, education, demo) and we'll recommend the right configuration, with pricing, integration and training.
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