Discrete and Process Automation

PrimeBOT debuts world's first transformable personal humanoid robot

27 July 2026

A personal humanoid robot capable of autonomously switching between quadruped and wheel-foot humanoid forms has been developed by a China-based robotics startup.

The Qiyuan T1 from PrimeBOT is built on a single chassis and can change its configuration without human intervention, making it possible for the robot to take on both outdoor terrain and indoor home environments.

Source: PrimeBOTSource: PrimeBOT

Thanks to the Qiyuan T1’s dual-mode design, which combines the stability and mobility of a quadruped with the interaction capabilities of a humanoid, the robot is potentially appropriate for personal assistance and everyday use.

According to its developers, the Qiyuan T1 can automatically recognize its surroundings and alter its configuration based on the terrain and task. When outdoors, Qiyuan T1 turns into a quadruped that can travel across uneven surfaces like grass, gravel, slopes and stairs for applications such as following users during outdoor activities, carrying light loads and accompanying people across difficult terrain where wheeled robots struggle.

When indoors, the robot transforms into a wheel-foot humanoid configuration that is powered by a quiet wheel-drive system and features a zero turning radius, enabling it to maneuver efficiently through narrow hallways, furnished rooms and other confined spaces.

Qiyuan can perform safe gestures like hand-holding and touching. Further, the robot shares structural components, joints, actuators, perception modules and power systems across both the humanoid and quadruped modes.

PrimeBOT's T1 also features a flip camera, angled interactive display and multi-microphone array for AI-powered communication and environmental awareness. Its unified locomotion model allows it to seamlessly switch between forms while maintaining balance and continuous operation. Designed as both a content creation assistant and household companion, T1 supports voice-controlled filming, autonomous camera tracking, delivery collection, carrying small items and everyday assistance.

To contact the author of this article, email mdonlon@globalspec.com


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