Robonaut vs RoboThespian 3
Side-by-side comparison of Robonaut (NASA) and RoboThespian 3 (Engineered Arts) — specs, pricing, Robo Score, and verified deployments. Updated daily.
Optimize comparison for buyer
Optimized for Warehousing & Logistics buyers. Priority specs lifted to the top and marked with a target.
Layer 1: Identity & Trust
Manufacturer Country
- RobonautUnited States
- RoboThespian 3United Kingdom
Year First Available
- Robonaut2011
- RoboThespian 32016
Verified Deployments
- Robonaut0 Deployments
- RoboThespian 30 Deployments
Layer 2: Operational
Availability Status
- RobonautACTIVE
- RoboThespian 3ACTIVE
Physical Form Factor
Height
- Robonaut—
- RoboThespian 3175 mm
Weight
- Robonaut—
- RoboThespian 333 kg
Mobility Type
- Robonautbipedal
- RoboThespian 3bipedal
Humanoid Subtype
- Robonautfull bipedal
- RoboThespian 3full bipedal
Stair Climbing
- RobonautNo
- RoboThespian 3No
Terrain
- Robonautflat indoor
- RoboThespian 3flat indoor
Payload & Dexterity
Payload
- Robonaut9.1 kg
- RoboThespian 3—
Total DOF
- Robonaut14
- RoboThespian 326
Arm DOF
- Robonaut7
- RoboThespian 3—
Bimanual Coordination
- RobonautYes
- RoboThespian 3No
Compute & AI
Onboard Compute
- Robonautrobot's torso
- RoboThespian 3Intel dual-core CPU, multiple Marvell and Parallax microcontrollers, external Intel Core i7 control unit
VLM Capable
- RobonautNo
- RoboThespian 3No
Imitation Learning
- RobonautNo
- RoboThespian 3No
Programming
- Robonautrobot's torso
- RoboThespian 3Python scripting and API support
Battery & Power
Battery Swap
- RobonautNo
- RoboThespian 3No
Software
SDK Languages
- RobonautC++
- RoboThespian 3Python
ROS Support
- RobonautNo
- RoboThespian 3No
Open API
- RobonautNo
- RoboThespian 3Yes
Reliability
Deployment Maturity
- Robonautcommercial
- RoboThespian 3commercial
Commercial
Warranty
- Robonaut—
- RoboThespian 31 yrs
Applications
- Robonautteleoperation, research
- RoboThespian 3entertainment, education
| ||
|---|---|---|
| Layer 1: Identity & Trust | ||
| Manufacturer Country (values differ) | United States | United Kingdom |
| Year First Available (values differ) | 2011 | 2016 |
| Verified Deployments | 0 Deployments | 0 Deployments |
| Layer 2: Operational | ||
| Availability Status | ACTIVE | ACTIVE |
| Layer 3: Category Specific | ||
| Physical Form Factor | ||
| Height (values differ) | — | 175 mm |
| Weight (values differ) | — | 33 kg |
| Mobility Type | bipedal | bipedal |
| Humanoid Subtype | full bipedal | full bipedal |
| Stair Climbing | No | No |
| Terrain (values differ) | flat indoor | flat indoor |
| Payload & Dexterity | ||
| Payload (values differ) | 9.1 kg | — |
| Total DOF (values differ) | 14 | 26 |
| Arm DOF (values differ) | 7 | — |
| Bimanual Coordination (values differ) | Yes | No |
| Compute & AI | ||
| Onboard Compute (values differ) | robot's torso | Intel dual-core CPU, multiple Marvell and Parallax microcontrollers, external Intel Core i7 control unit |
| VLM Capable | No | No |
| Imitation Learning | No | No |
| Programming (values differ) | robot's torso | Python scripting and API support |
| Battery & Power | ||
| Battery Swap | No | No |
| Software | ||
| SDK Languages (values differ) | C++ | Python |
| ROS Support | No | No |
| Open API (values differ) | No | Yes |
| Reliability | ||
| Deployment Maturity | commercial | commercial |
| Commercial | ||
| Warranty (values differ) | — | 1 yrs |
| Applications (values differ) | teleoperation, research | entertainment, education |
Insufficient data for full comparison
The following fields had no data for any of the selected robots: Price, Battery / Shift Runtime, Walking Speed, Running Capable, Payload (Peak), Hand DOF, Arm Reach, Grip Strength, Manipulation Repeatability, Tool Use, Compute Platform, Foundation Models, Teleoperation, Runtime, Battery Capacity, Charging Time, Charging Method, Avg Power Consumption, Force-Limited Arms, Fall Recovery, Fall Detection Response, Emergency Stops, Human Detection Method, Safe Speed Near Humans, Simulation Platforms, Air-Gap Capable, MTBF, Task Success Rate, IP Rating, Noise Level, Price (USD), Price Tier, RaaS / Month, Pricing Model, Developer Unit Price, Delivery Lead Time, Production Pilots
ROI Comparison
Same operating assumptions across every robot — the only difference is price. Set your numbers once to see which pays back fastest.
Annual labor displaced (per robot): $50,000
| Metric | Robonaut | RoboThespian 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Investment | No price | No price |
| Payback period | — | — |
| Net savings (5 yr) | — | — |
| ROI (5 yr) | — | — |
Robonaut, RoboThespian 3 have no listed price, so payback can't be computed. Contact the manufacturer for a quote.
Estimates labor-cost displacement only — not a full total cost of ownership. Actual ROI depends on integration, maintenance, training, downtime, and task fit. Converted currencies are indicative; USD is the price of record.
Trade-offs at a glance
Frequently asked
Who makes Robonaut and RoboThespian 3?
Robonaut is made by NASA, based in US. RoboThespian 3 is made by Engineered Arts, based in GB.
When were Robonaut and RoboThespian 3 launched?
Robonaut launched in 2011. RoboThespian 3 launched in 2016.
How do Robonaut and RoboThespian 3 compare on the Robo Score?
Robonaut scores 38.4 on the Robo Score. RoboThespian 3 scores 68.4. The Robo Score is a 0–100 credibility figure blending commercial maturity, verified deployments, company standing, and independent coverage — see methodology for the full breakdown.
Are Robonaut and RoboThespian 3 in the same category?
Both robots are classified as Humanoid on Robolist. Filters and ranking treat them as direct alternatives.
What is the realistic total cost of ownership for Humanoid robots?
Hardware cost is one input. Humanoid TCO also includes integration, training, downtime, and end-of-life. Our breakdown: Humanoid TCO: Hardware, Cloud Subscriptions, and the Cost of Teleop Time.
What should a buyer ask vendors when choosing between Robonaut and RoboThespian 3?
Spec sheets only show part of the story. Useful vendor questions cover support, lifecycle, integration cost, and references. We have a buyer-focused checklist: Vendor Selection for Humanoids: The 10 Questions You Must Ask.
Going deeper — picking the right robot
Humanoid TCO: Hardware, Cloud Subscriptions, and the Cost of Teleop Time
8 min readHumanoid Robots
Vendor Selection for Humanoids: The 10 Questions You Must Ask
10 min readHumanoid Robots
Running a Humanoid Pilot: Scope, Success Criteria, and Exit Options
9 min readHumanoid Robots
Build vs buy vs lease: which model fits a first deployment
8 min readChoosing Your First Robot
The hidden specs vendors hope you'll miss
10 min readReading the Spec Sheet
Want to be notified when specs or pricing change for these robots? Drop your email.
Other comparisons
About this comparison
Robonaut vs RoboThespian 3 compares two robots in the humanoid category. All data is sourced from manufacturer spec sheets, verified deployments, and third-party filings; see our methodology for how the Robo Score is calculated.