Bluebug Embodied, a startup spun off from Xi'an Jiaotong University, today launched its new modular humanoid robot, the Mantis Standard "Xiaobai," with a starting price of 9,800 yuan (about $1,380), according to IThome (IThome). The robot is designed not just as a humanoid but as a versatile embodied intelligence platform that can be reconfigured into various forms.

Modular design and specs
The Mantis Standard features modular components for the chassis, arms, waist, and head, all connected via quick-release interfaces that handle both mechanical and electrical connections. This allows users to swap parts and adapt the robot for different tasks. The robot has 22 degrees of freedom across its body, with each arm capable of lifting 7 kg (about 15.4 lbs) and a reach of 663 mm (26.1 inches). Teleoperation latency is under 10 milliseconds, enabling responsive remote control.

The waist can lift up to 550 mm (21.7 inches), and the three-degree-of-freedom omnidirectional chassis moves at speeds up to 3 m/s (6.7 mph) with a lifting speed of 200 mm/s (7.9 inches per second). The robot stands 1.4 meters (4.6 feet) tall and has a battery life of three hours.

Targeting embodied AI development
Bluebug Embodied says the Mantis Standard is compatible with mainstream embodied development ecosystems and is ready to use out of the box. The company offers support tools, development tutorials, and technical assistance for embodied intelligence research and training. This launch comes amid a flurry of activity in China's humanoid robot sector, with other players like Unitree and UBTech also pushing forward with new models and production facilities.