Summary of Key Points
Youbixiang recently launched three consumer-grade humanoid robots in the U1 series, priced ranging from 120,000 to 990,000 yuan. Pre-orders exceeded 13,000 units, with an order value of over 2.2 billion yuan—this exceeds the company's annual revenue target for 2025. However, the actual performance of the robots at the launch event fell far short of the promotional videos (for example, they moved awkwardly when dancing, walked unsteadily, and had laggy responses in conversations), raising doubts about the maturity of the products. Youbixiang's real intention is to collect user data and refine its hardware supply chain by selling these consumer products. Nevertheless, the high expectations of consumer customers could lead to returns and negative reviews.
Detailed Analysis
1. More than 10,000 units sold for robots starting at 120,000 yuan, with an order value exceeding next year's target
The U1 series includes three models: the half-body version U1 Lite (120,000 yuan), the U1 Pro (170,000 yuan, which can only move its head), and the U1 Ultra (990,000 yuan for the male model and 880,000 yuan for the female model). By 3 p.m. on the launch day, at least 13,361 units had been sold. Assuming the price of the Pro version is 170,000 yuan, the order value reached over 2.2 billion yuan—this surpasses the company's annual revenue target of 2 billion yuan for 2025. Founder Zhou Jian stated that this pricing is profitable, indicating that selling each unit generates a profit rather than just generating buzz.
However, there’s a question: The Ultra version is the most expensive model, yet its walking function was not demonstrated at the event. What exactly are potential buyers looking for in this product? It’s likely more of a novelty or an investment opportunity.
2. Promotional videos vs. real products: A significant gap
The promotional videos showed the U1 robots moving smoothly and interacting naturally, appearing highly biomimetic. In contrast, the actual performance at the launch event was quite disappointing:
- The U1 Ultra moved awkwardly during the Latin dance, with joints as stiff as those of a marionette; it almost fell while following the model during the walkshow.
- The U1 Pro was touted as having skin that “could show capillaries,” but upon touch, it felt like cold silicone, and its expressions were sometimes delayed; its responses in conversations were also laggy.
- The most significant feature, the walking ability of the Ultra version, was not even showcased at the exhibition area, leaving viewers to rely on the static Pro model for a sense of what the product is capable of.
This launch felt more like a pre-sale campaign for crowdfunding rather than a traditional product launch—first collecting funds and then gradually improving the product.
3. Selling consumer robots as a way to develop AI and the supply chain
As a listed company, why would Youbixiang risk launching an immature product to the consumer market? Their strategy is clever:
- Collecting data for AI development: Real interaction data from consumer users is essential for embodied intelligence companies (e.g., conversations and interactions with robots). This data can help refine their large language models, making the robots more human-like.
- Refining the hardware supply chain: Traditional factories can produce only a few hundred units of components like silicone skin, eyelashes, and biomimetic hands per year, but Youbixiang aims to produce over 10,000 units. This requires them to develop their own supply chain and production processes, creating a competitive advantage for future competitors.
- The Ultra version is intended for the business market: The most expensive Ultra version is not for end-consumers but is designed for partners to customize (e.g., adding additional features). The goal is to attract business customers.
In short, selling consumer products serves two purposes: generating revenue and laying the foundation for future technology and supply chain improvements.
4. Stock price rise, but risks remain hidden
Youbixiang’s stock price rose by 18% during the day but only increased by 7.48% at the close, indicating that investors are still skeptical about the product’s actual performance.
The biggest risk lies in the high expectations of consumer customers. Business customers (such as enterprises) may prioritize functionality and cost-effectiveness, while ordinary consumers who spend 120,000 yuan on a robot will likely return it or express dissatisfaction if it fails to provide smooth interactions and natural expressions. With mass production less than three months away, whether Youbixiang can refine the product successfully will determine the outcome of this venture.
After all, consumers are not willing to pay for a “robot dream”; they want products that are functional and user-friendly.
Conclusion
Youbixiang’s ambition to be the first embodied intelligence company to launch such products is commendable, but the maturity of the products at this launch event was lacking. The impressive pre-order figures may mask potential issues. If the final products still perform as poorly as they did during the event, negative feedback will inevitably follow. Let’s hope that in three months, Youbixiang can deliver a product that lives up to their expectations.