Two general‑purpose humanoids from Shanghai‑based Fourier Intelligence sit at sharply different price points and capability profiles. The Fourier GR-1, launched in 2023, is a 50 kg‑payload workhorse already deployed in real‑world logistics. The all‑new Fourier GR-3, unveiled for 2026 pre‑order, re‑engineers the platform with 55 degrees of freedom, a faster gait, and a $80,000 price that undercuts the GR-1’s base by $45,000. This article compares the two — side‑by‑side specs, cost‑of‑ownership, use‑case fit, and software ecosystem — so you can decide which general‑purpose humanoid fits your lab, factory, or proof‑of‑concept project.
Fourier GR-3 vs Fourier GR-1: Specs Compared
| Specification | Fourier GR‑3 | Fourier GR‑1 |
|---|---|---|
| Price (base) | $80,000 | $125,000 |
| Price (configured) | $80,000 (single SKU) | $125,000 – $170,000 |
| Weight | 60 kg | 55 kg |
| Height | 168 cm | 165 cm |
| Payload | 15 kg | 50 kg |
| Max speed | 6.5 km/h | 5 km/h |
| Battery / Runtime | 3 hours | 2 hours |
| Degrees of Freedom (DOF) | 55 | 40 |
| IP rating | Not published | Not published |
| Onboard compute | Not published | Not published |
| Sensors (published) | Not published | Depth cameras; spec not fully public |
| SDK languages | Not published | C++, Python (proprietary API) |
| ROS2 support | Not published | Limited, via bridge |
| Autonomy / Fleet mgmt | Not published | Proprietary, early stage |
| Safety certs | Not published | Not published |
| Availability | Pre‑order (2026 shipment) | In‑stock, direct inquiry |
| Warranty / Support | Not published | Standard manufacturer warranty |
The GR-3’s headline leaps are 55 DOF, an extra hour of runtime, and a 30% higher top speed — all at a 36% lower base price. The GR-1’s 50 kg payload, however, remains unmatched by any sub‑$200,000 humanoid available today, and it is shipping now, not in months.
Fourier GR-3: A Next‑Gen All‑Rounder at a Breakthrough Price
Unveiled in early 2026, the Fourier GR-3 is the second humanoid in Fourier’s lineup and the first to cross the 50‑DOF threshold. Standing 168 cm and weighing 60 kg, it is designed to move faster and manipulate more flexibly than its predecessor while trimming $45,000 from the baseline cost. The 55 degrees of freedom are spread across the full body, including highly articulated hands and a more complex torso, enabling a wider range of fine‑manipulation tasks. Its 6.5 km/h top speed is closer to a brisk walk than the GR‑1’s 5 km/h, and the 3‑hour battery life stretches operational windows for lab use and shift‑based pilots. Fourier is offering the GR‑3 exclusively on a pre‑order basis with an expected delivery window in 2026, targeting research groups, integrators, and factories looking to prototype next‑gen humanoid workflows without committing to a six‑figure price.
[Image: Fourier GR-3 humanoid robot side profile, showing 168 cm height and 55 DOF body. Source: humanoid.guide]
Fourier GR-1: The Heavy‑Payload Pioneer
The GR‑1, introduced in 2023, is a 165 cm, 55 kg humanoid with a standout 50 kg payload capacity — more than three times that of the GR‑3. Its 40 degrees of freedom are tuned for robust, high‑stiffness actuation, making it suitable for repetitive material‑handling tasks like container loading, palletising, and assembly‑line kitting. Fourier’s publicly documented deployment at Unicarrier’s logistics centre (2024) saw the GR‑1 move parts weighing up to 40 kg in a live production environment, proving real‑world endurance. With a top speed of 5 km/h and a 2‑hour runtime, it is slower and shorter‑legged than the GR‑3, but its brute strength gives it a clear niche. Pricing ranges from $125,000 for a base configuration to around $170,000 with specialised end‑effectors and support packages.
[Image: Fourier GR-1 humanoid robot front angle, showing robust arm actuators for high payload. Source: fftai.com]
Price & Configurations
Both robots are sold via direct inquiry to Fourier. The GR‑3 is offered at a fixed $80,000 price for the base unit, which includes the full 55‑DOF chassis, batteries, and basic compute. The GR‑1 starts at $125,000 and climbs to $170,000 depending on end‑effector options, extended support, and autonomy‑software tiers. Neither robot has an official lease or RaaS programme yet, though Fourier has indicated financing partnerships for volume orders.
Winner: GR‑3, for a dramatically lower base price — making advanced 55‑DOF humanoid access far cheaper than any current alternative.
Performance & Specs
Payload
The GR‑1’s 50 kg payload is its defining advantage. It can lift a fully loaded industrial tote or a medium‑sized sub‑assembly. The GR‑3’s 15 kg payload is adequate for tool handling, small‑part picking, and most research platforms, but it cannot compete in heavy‑lift workflows.
Winner: GR‑1
Speed
The GR‑3 walks at 6.5 km/h versus the GR‑1’s 5.0 km/h — a 30% advantage that cuts transit time across a plant floor or lab corridor.
Winner: GR‑3
Battery & Runtime
Three hours of continuous operation on the GR‑3 gives 50% more uptime per charge than the GR‑1’s two hours. For shift‑based pilots, this translates to fewer battery swaps and more productive hours.
Winner: GR‑3
Degrees of Freedom
With 55 DOF, the GR‑3 offers 15 more articulations than the GR‑1’s 40, primarily in the hands, arms, and torso. This translates to finer manipulation — opening valves, using hand tools, or performing multi‑step assembly — that the GR‑1’s simpler kinematic chain cannot match.
Winner: GR‑3
Software & SDK Ecosystem
The GR‑1 ships with a proprietary C++ and Python API and a limited ROS2 bridge, allowing integration with standard robotic middleware. Fourier has not yet published the GR‑3’s SDK, but early technical briefings suggest a native ROS2 interface and expanded simulation support (possibly Isaac Sim and MuJoCo). The reality is that both robots currently operate in a closed ecosystem; third‑party libraries and community‑driven tools are minimal.
Winner: Tentatively GR‑3, if promised ROS2‑native support materialises; today, the GR‑1’s known (if limited) SDK is the safer bet.
Autonomy & Sensors
Fourier has not disclosed the full sensor suite for either robot. GR‑1 pilots used depth cameras and possibly 2D LiDAR for obstacle avoidance, but official specs are sparse. The GR‑3 is anticipated to carry a more modern perception stack, including stereo depth cameras and an upgraded IMU, but this is unconfirmed. Neither robot currently supports autonomous fleet management like Orbit or Scout; the GR‑1 required waypoint‑based scripting in its Unicarrier deployment.
Winner: Too early to call — both platforms need published, verifiable sensor arrays.
Build Quality & Durability
Neither robot carries a published IP rating. The GR‑1 has logged thousands of hours in industrial pilots, proving mechanical reliability under repetitive payload‑handling. The GR‑3’s lighter 60 kg frame and 55 DOF may imply more complex maintenance needs, but no field data exists yet. Operating temperature ranges and ingress protection remain undisclosed for both platforms.
Winner: GR‑1, purely on proven deployment history; the GR‑3 is unproven.
Price & Total Cost of Ownership
A three‑year TCO estimate (hardware, software/support, and estimated spares) highlights the stark difference. At $80,000 upfront, the GR‑3’s calculated 3‑year TCO is roughly $95,000–$110,000 when factoring in a maintenance contract and battery replacements. The GR‑1, starting at $125,000, easily reaches $160,000–$200,000 TCO over three years once support, end‑effectors, and software licences are added. For buyers who can live with 15 kg payload, the GR‑3 saves $50,000–$90,000 over the ownership cycle.
| Cost Component | Fourier GR‑3 | Fourier GR‑1 |
|---|---|---|
| Base hardware | $80,000 | $125,000 |
| Typical configuration | $80,000 | $145,000 |
| 3‑year support & spares (est) | $15,000 – $30,000 | $30,000 – $55,000 |
| Estimated 3‑year TCO | $95,000 – $110,000 | $160,000 – $200,000 |
[CTA: Request a quotation for the Fourier GR‑3 → /en/robot-database/fourier-gr3/] [CTA: Request a quotation for the Fourier GR‑1 → /en/robot-database/fourier-gr1/]
Which Should You Buy? Fourier GR‑3 vs Fourier GR‑1 by Use Case
- Choose Fourier GR‑3 if…
You need maximum dexterity for fine‑manipulation research, light assembly, or social‑robotics applications. The 55 DOF, longer battery, and $80,000 price make it the most accessible 50+‑DOF humanoid on pre‑order. Ideal for labs willing to wait for 2026 shipment and who don’t require heavy payloads.
- Choose Fourier GR‑1 if…
Your workflow demands lifting 20–50 kg parts now — bin picking, heavy‑tote handling, palletising. The GR‑1’s proven 50 kg capacity and immediate availability justify its higher price. It’s the better choice for integrators scaling a known heavy‑lifting use case today.
- Choose neither if…
You require an open‑source SDK, fleet management, or published safety certifications. Both platforms remain opaque in these areas. Consider a cobot arm or a quadruped if your task can be automated without a full humanoid.
Real‑World Deployments & Track Record
- Fourier GR‑1 at Unicarrier (2024): Fourier partnered with Unicarrier, a Japanese logistics equipment manufacturer, to deploy GR‑1 units for material‑handling tasks. The robots moved automotive components up to 40 kg, demonstrating cycle times compatible with human workers (source: Fourier press release, June 2024). Operating hours have not been published, but the pilot ran for several months.
- GR‑3 pilots: None yet. Fourier has announced pre‑orders but no field trials. All performance claims are based on lab demonstrations.
The GR‑1’s one named, dated deployment gives it a credibility edge. The GR‑3 must build that track record after 2026 deliveries.
SDK, Software & Developer Ecosystem
The GR‑1’s proprietary SDK exposes C++ and Python endpoints for motion control and status feedback, but community tooling is sparse. A ROS2 bridge exists, yet it is not a fully native ROS2 driver. Fourier has stated that the GR‑3 will feature “improved software interfaces,” which likely means native ROS2 support and possibly integration with simulation environments like NVIDIA Isaac Sim. However, without published documentation, this remains a forward‑looking claim.
For developers, the GR‑3’s promised ROS2‑native stack, if realised, would make it far easier to integrate into existing ROS‑based research labs. The GR‑1’s current SDK, while functional, requires more custom integration work.
Support, Warranty & Availability
The GR‑1 is available today through direct inquiry to Fourier, with a standard manufacturer’s warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Response times and enterprise SLAs are negotiated on a per‑contract basis. The GR‑3 is on pre‑order with first shipments expected in 2026; Fourier has not published a firm delivery schedule or support package details. Both robots are sold directly by Fourier or through regional distributors; PO‑based purchasing with trade compliance checks is typical for international buyers.
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