Noetix’s Bumi: a $1,400 dancing humanoid aimed at consumers

Noetix Robotics of Beijing has revealed the Bumi, a compact humanoid robot priced at roughly ¥10,000 (about $1,400). Standing about three feet tall and weighing ~26 lbs, Bumi is positioned as an affordable consumer and educational robot rather than an industrial or research platform.

Early demos focus on basic locomotion and entertainment — walking and dancing — but Noetix plans to offer a programming interface so owners can use Bumi for learning and creative projects. The company says preorders are expected later this year.

Key specs & highlights

• Approximate price: ¥10,000 (~$1,400)
• Height & weight: about three feet tall, ~26 lbs
• Use case: consumer & educational — programming interface for learning tasks
• Early demos: walking, dancing; not yet shown handling complex tasks
• Preorders planned later this year

How Bumi compares

Bumi undercuts other lower‑cost humanoids like Unitree’s R1 (starting around $5,900) and is far cheaper than high‑end projects such as Tesla’s Optimus (early estimates ~ $20,000). That price gap makes Bumi notable as one of the most accessible humanoid robots to date — though its capabilities appear to match the lower price point.

Noetix has some pedigree in robotics competitions: its earlier N2 model competed in a robotic half‑marathon, showing the company’s engineering chops. Still, prospective buyers should temper expectations: the Bumi demos emphasize movement and interaction rather than complex autonomy or practical household tasks.

Who should consider Bumi?

Bumi could appeal to hobbyists, schools and makers who want a hands‑on humanoid platform to learn programming, robotics and basic control concepts without the six‑figure price of industrial robots. For anyone seeking a robot that performs substantial household tasks, more capable (and expensive) options remain the better fit.

For original coverage and technical details, see the Engadget report: Engadget: Noetix Bumi reveal.

Discussion: Would you preorder a $1,400 humanoid like Bumi for education or fun — or wait for more capable robots? What apps or lessons would you build for a low‑cost humanoid?