In a significant leap for robotics accessibility, a Shanghai-based startup has introduced a miniature humanoid robot designed to be a personal companion for researchers and enthusiasts. The robot, named Q1, is compact enough to be carried in a backpack, signalling a new phase in making advanced robotics research faster and more affordable.
Q1: A Pocket-Sized Powerhouse for AI Research
The Agibot Q1 stands at just 80 centimetres (31 inches) tall and weighs approximately one-eighth of a typical full-sized humanoid robot. This portable design is its core innovation, effectively bridging the gap between bulky laboratory prototypes and personal, interactive devices. The company, Agibot, presented this cutting-edge innovation at the CES 2026 tech showcase in Las Vegas, highlighting China's accelerating advancements in the robotics sector.
According to its creators, Q1 is engineered as an open platform to revolutionise embodied AI accessibility. It comes equipped with developer kits, 3D-printable outer shells, and zero-code motion programming tools. This approach allows users, even those without deep expertise in advanced robotics, to customise its appearance, program movements, and conduct hands-on AI experiments.
Technical Capabilities and Everyday Applications
The mini robot is not just a static model; it is packed with functional capabilities. It can engage in voice interactions, provide English tutoring, navigate indoor spaces, and even lead guided dance lessons. A key technical feature is its Quasi-Direct Drive joints, which provide crash resistance while retaining precise force control and dynamic response. This allows Q1 to move with intention and stability.
Furthermore, its full-body force control enables developers to physically test and refine algorithms in the real world. Agibot claims this can reduce development cycles from months to mere days, dramatically speeding up innovation in robotics and AI behaviour learning.
Agibot's Vision and Rapid Growth
Founded in February 2023 by a team of industry experts, AI scientists, and global tech leaders, Agibot focuses on building general-purpose embodied robots and their application ecosystems. The startup's vision is to become a global leader in intelligent robots and create a comprehensive, general-purpose robot ecosystem. Their progress has been swift; the company announced last month that it had manufactured its 5,000th robot, cementing its status as one of China's fastest-growing humanoid robotics startups.
The introduction of the Q1 robot represents a strategic move to democratise robotics development. By offering a capable, portable, and cost-effective platform, Agibot is empowering a broader community of researchers, students, and creators to explore the frontiers of embodied artificial intelligence, potentially accelerating breakthroughs that integrate robots seamlessly into daily life.
