Astribot S1

Overview

The Astribot S1 is a high-speed manipulation humanoid from Astribot, a subsidiary of Stardust Technologies based in Shenzhen, standing 1,700 mm with 5 kg per-arm payload and priced at approximately $70,000 (around £55,000) on pre-order. The S1 is notable for its advertised arm tip velocity of up to 10 m/s, making it one of the fastest manipulation platforms publicly demonstrated. Astribot has shown the S1 performing tasks such as folding clothes and pouring drinks at speeds significantly faster than comparable platforms, attracting attention from industrial and research communities interested in high-throughput manipulation. The speed advantage is achieved through a lightweight arm design and high-performance actuators rather than brute-force torque, making the S1 particularly well suited to tasks requiring rapid, precise positioning rather than heavy lifting.

Key Specifications

• Height: 1,700 mm
• Per-arm payload: 5 kg
• Arm tip speed: up to 10 m/s (manufacturer claim)
• Price: approximately $70,000 (approx. £55,000)
• Status: pre-order

Use Cases

The S1 targets manufacturing assembly and food processing tasks where speed is the primary requirement. High arm velocity combined with reasonable payload makes it relevant for electronics manufacturing, packaged food assembly, and logistics sorting lines. The fast arm dynamics are also valuable for robot learning research, where rapid trial-and-error cycles accelerate training data generation.

Buying Used

No secondhand S1 units exist. Astribot is a recent entrant and the pre-order pipeline has not yet cleared to a point where secondhand units would emerge. UK buyers should confirm import costs and UKCA compliance status before finalising pre-order arrangements, and should establish what service and support infrastructure Astribot has in place for international customers given its focus to date on the Chinese domestic market.

Alternatives to Consider

• Figure 02 ($150,000): more degrees of freedom and an active commercial pilot, though more expensive
• Unitree H1 ($90,000): available now with an established community
• Agibot A2 ($54,999 to $99,999): comparable price range and available now for buyers who cannot wait