Chinese startup ships 700+ humanoid robots globally at $5K price point

Booster Robotics has unveiled the Booster K1, a humanoid robot platform designed to democratize embodied AI development with pricing starting at $4,999. The Beijing-based company positions the K1 as the “personal computer of the AI era,” aiming to make humanoid robotics as accessible and practical as PCs became for the information age.

What you should know: The Booster K1 represents a significant price breakthrough in the humanoid robotics market while maintaining professional-grade capabilities.

• The platform features 22 degrees of freedom (joints that allow movement), weighs under 44 pounds, and includes smartphone app control with ongoing software updates.
• Three variants are available: K1 Geek ($5,999, limited-time $4,999), K1 Edu, and K1 Pro, all supporting custom programming and modifications.
• The robot has been validated through 30 hours of continuous high-impact testing and 100 hours of real-world operation.

The big picture: Booster Robotics is launching what it calls the “Era of Embodied Agents,” where the K1 serves as a universal platform for diverse AI applications.

• The company introduced Booster Agents, allowing the robot to host different intelligent roles like dance instructors, soccer coaches, and home tutors.
• Users can independently develop and share customized Agent applications, creating a developer-driven ecosystem similar to mobile app stores.

Developer support: The company launched the “Voyage Plan” to reduce barriers for robotics developers worldwide.

• Free access to integrated development tools, video tutorials, and open-source upgrades for the Booster GYM simulation platform.
• A seed investment fund for Agent development teams to help bring creative ideas to market.
• Support targets everyone from university research teams to high school student makers.

Market traction: Since founding in August 2023, Booster Robotics has shipped over 700 units globally to more than 200 clients across 20+ countries.

• The company serves over 70 universities and research institutions worldwide.
• At the 2025 RoboCup competition in Brazil, Booster robots enabled the Tsinghua Hephaestus Team to secure China’s first championship in the event.

Educational expansion: The “Hundred Cities, Ten Thousand Schools” plan targets partnerships with over 10,000 educational institutions globally within three years.

• The initiative includes a complete “Teach-Learn-Practice-Compete-Apply” cycle for robotics education.
• Strategic collaborations include partnerships with Beijing Robot Financial Leasing Co., Ltd., and recognized gold-tier channel agents.

Quality assurance: Addressing common industry challenges, the company commits to “triple compensation for any undelivered Double 11 full-payment orders by the end of December.”

• Guarantees 2-hour initial response for after-sales inquiries and solution provision within 48 hours.
• Provides comprehensive support including curriculum systems, competition frameworks, and software development tools.