Jack Ma–backed Ant Group has officially entered the humanoid robotics race with the launch of its first model, the R1, unveiled at major tech showcases in Berlin and Shanghai this month.At IFA 2025 in Berlin, the R1 drew crowds by cooking shrimp in a mock kitchen, a live demonstration highlighting its ability to handle everyday tasks. According to Ant Group, the robot can also serve as a tour guide and provide basic medical consultations, showcasing its multi-purpose design.The R1 measures between 1.6 and 1.75 meters tall, weighs 110 kilograms, and is equipped with 34 degrees of freedom, giving it relatively agile movement compared to service robots currently in use. Its walking speed is capped at 1.5 meters per second, keeping it stable in controlled environments.Unlike other companies pursuing consumer sales, Ant Group plans to deploy the robot in “scenario-based solutions” such as kitchens, museums, and public service spaces, suggesting a focus on industry partnerships rather than household adoption.The R1 is seen as a direct competitor to Tesla’s Optimus, adding new intensity to the race for embodied AI. However, Ant has not disclosed a price tag or release timeline, leaving uncertainty about when the robot might reach real-world deployment.Experts note that while the cooking demo was eye-catching, such presentations often take place under highly controlled conditions. Questions remain about the R1’s ability to operate safely and effectively in dynamic, real-world environments without extensive human supervision.Still, Ant Group’s unveiling highlights China’s growing ambition in the humanoid robotics field. If successful, R1 could become a landmark in the adoption of AI-driven service robots, but for now, its practical value remains untested beyond demonstrations.
From Cooking to Tour Guides: Ant’s R1 Robot Steps Into the Spotlight
