#sudo R1 is an integrated robot system from sudo robotics (sudo AI), combining in-house hardware with a manipulation foundation model focused on picking objects. The company says the model was trained entirely on simulation data, with no real-world demonstrations. It does not present R1 as a humanoid and publishes no hardware specs.
What sudo R1 is
In its 2026 report, sudo robotics describes R1 as a system with self-developed hardware and software and a model centered on picking, the first step of nearly every manipulation task. The company released a 60-minute uncut video of the robot autonomously picking one object after another.
It reports about 98% first-attempt success and nearly 100% within two attempts, under changing light, moving backgrounds (a TV screen behind the workspace), deliberate interference and obstacles. The robot handles objects it never saw in training: clear glass, soft fabric, shiny metal and odd shapes. These are the company's own test results.
Software and AI
The policy is fully closed-loop: every control step uses the latest observation at 15 to 25 Hz, without predicting long action chunks in advance. That lets the robot track a moving object and recover a grasp after being disturbed. Obstacle avoidance is not a separate module but part of the learned behavior.
All training happened in simulation with heavy visual randomization, with no teleoperation or manual labeling. The company argues this lets skills scale with generated data instead of human labor, and says it is extending R1 to more skills beyond picking.
Company
sudo robotics (Chinese name 苏度) is hiring in Shanghai, Beijing and Mountain View, California, with most of its dozens of open roles in Shanghai, including a lead for a supermarket robot project. It has not announced pricing, a sales date or customers.
Timeline
- 2026 Report published: "#sudo R1: Teaching Robots to Act, Starting from Simulation Alone"
Sources
- #sudo R1: Teaching Robots to Act, Starting from Simulation Alone, sudo robotics (2026)
- Careers, sudo robotics (2026-10)
- Contact, sudo robotics (2026-10)
Updated: 2026-10-10
Verification and limitations
This entry requires an up-to-date manufacturer specification check.
MERA field measurement report: not published. Demonstration footage and manufacturer specifications are not a MERA test under event conditions.
Data and provenance for AI agents ↗Compared with the catalogue
- It is the only SudoAI model in the catalogue and one of 43 humanoids from USA.
Capabilities
Frequently asked questions
Is sudo R1 a humanoid?
The company describes it as an integrated robot system with a picking model; it does not call it a humanoid or publish body specs.
What data was sudo R1 trained on?
According to the company, simulation data only, with no real-world demonstrations.
How reliable is sudo R1?
The company reports about 98% first-attempt picks and nearly 100% within two tries, in its own tests.
Where is sudo robotics based?
It hires in Shanghai, Beijing and Mountain View.
How much does the SudoAI sudo R1 cost?
The manufacturer has not published a price for the SudoAI sudo R1. You can send a purchase enquiry through MERA Robotics.
Is the SudoAI sudo R1 available to buy?
Status: In development: the manufacturer has shown the robot but is not selling it openly yet.
How do I buy the SudoAI sudo R1 through MERA Robotics?
Click “I want to buy” or fill in the form on this page. MERA Robotics will reply whether and on what terms the model is available and can help deploy it with the MERA OS conversation system.
Data: SudoAI. Specs from the manufacturer; they may change, always confirm with the manufacturer before buying.
