EngineAI SE01 Review: Full-Size Humanoid with 2m/s Speed [2026]

Key Takeaways

• Price: Contact sales — positioned for research and enterprise
• Height: 170 cm (5 ft 7 in) — full human-scale design
• Speed: 2 m/s (7.2 km/h / 4.5 mph) — fast walking capability
• DOF: 32 degrees of freedom
• Platform: Open-source SDK available for development
• Best For: Research institutions and robotics developers in China and expanding globally

The EngineAI SE01 is a full-size humanoid robot from Shenzhen-based EngineAI, offering 32 DOF and an impressive 2 m/s walking speed. As part of EngineAI's growing lineup of humanoid and bipedal robots, the SE01 targets research and development applications with an open-source approach that appeals to academic and commercial developers alike.

EngineAI Company Overview

EngineAI is a Shenzhen startup building an "open and integrated intelligent ecosystem" for robotics. Their product lineup spans multiple form factors:

• PM01: Compact humanoid (140cm, 24 DOF)
• SE01: Full-size humanoid (170cm, 32 DOF) — this review
• T800: Industrial humanoid (173cm, 29 DOF, 450 N·m torque)
• SA01: Bipedal robot (12 DOF)
• S2 / JS01: Additional platforms

The company's focus on open-source development positions them as an alternative to more closed ecosystems from competitors like Unitree.

SE01 Specifications

Standout Feature: 2 m/s Walking Speed

The SE01's 2 m/s (7.2 km/h) walking speed is notably fast for a full-size humanoid. For context:

At 2 m/s, the SE01 walks faster than average human walking pace and matches the brisk walk speed of active adults. This makes it viable for environments where keeping up with human movement matters.

32 Degrees of Freedom

The SE01's 32 DOF configuration provides:

• Bipedal locomotion with stable gait
• Upper body manipulation capability
• Sufficient articulation for general-purpose research

This sits in the middle range for full-size humanoids — more than the Unitree H1's 27 DOF, comparable to the T800's 29 DOF (excluding hands), and less than some research platforms with 40+ DOF.

Open-Source Development Platform

EngineAI emphasizes their open-source SDK approach:

• Development Access: Full SDK for custom application development
• Research Friendly: Designed for academic and R&D modification
• Ecosystem Integration: Part of EngineAI's broader robotics platform

For research teams wanting to develop custom locomotion, manipulation, or AI algorithms, this openness is valuable — similar to the approach taken by AgiBot with their X1.

EngineAI's Robot Lineup Comparison

Target Use Cases

Research & Development

• Bipedal locomotion algorithm development
• AI embodiment research
• Human-robot interaction studies
• Computer vision and perception work

Education

• University robotics programs
• Hands-on humanoid development training
• Open-source learning platform

General Purpose Development

• Custom application prototyping
• Commercial robotics R&D
• Integration testing

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Fast walking (2 m/s) — faster than human average
• Full human scale (170cm) — operates in human environments
• Open-source SDK — good for research customization
• Part of broader lineup — multiple form factors available
• Available now — actively selling to customers
• 32 DOF — solid articulation for general-purpose work

Cons

• Contact sales pricing — no transparent price list
• Limited global presence — primarily China-focused
• Newer company — less track record than Unitree
• Some specs undisclosed — weight, payload, battery unclear
• Documentation in Chinese — may require translation for English teams

SE01 vs Competitors

Bottom line: The SE01 offers competitive speed and DOF for research applications. If pricing is competitive with the H1, it's a viable alternative for teams wanting open-source flexibility at full human scale.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the EngineAI SE01 cost?

EngineAI uses a contact sales model. Reach out through their website for pricing specific to your region and requirements.

Is the SE01 available outside China?

EngineAI is expanding globally. Contact them directly regarding international availability and support.

How fast can the SE01 walk?

The SE01 walks at 2 m/s (7.2 km/h / 4.5 mph), which is faster than average human walking pace and competitive with top humanoid robots.

What's the difference between SE01 and T800?

The T800 is EngineAI's industrial-focused model with higher torque (450 N·m max) and 29 DOF. The SE01 is the general-purpose research platform with more DOF (32) and faster walking.

Can I develop custom applications on the SE01?

Yes. EngineAI provides an open-source SDK for custom development, making the SE01 suitable for research and development teams.

Final Verdict

The EngineAI SE01 represents a solid full-size humanoid option for research institutions and developers, particularly those in or connected to the Chinese robotics ecosystem. Its 2 m/s walking speed and 32 DOF make it competitive with established players, while the open-source SDK approach appeals to teams wanting development flexibility.

The SE01 is right for you if:

• You need a full-size (170cm) humanoid for research
• Fast walking speed is important for your application
• Open-source SDK access matters for your development
• You're comfortable working with a Chinese robotics company

Look elsewhere if:

• You need transparent upfront pricing — Unitree publishes prices
• You want maximum global support infrastructure
• You prefer a fully documented English ecosystem
• Budget is under $20K — consider AgiBot X1

EngineAI is building a comprehensive robotics lineup, and the SE01 is their most accessible full-size humanoid. For research teams open to engaging with emerging Chinese robotics companies, it's worth a conversation.

Where to buy: EngineAI Official Website

Last updated: February 2026