Nori A3: New US-made humanoid robot with just $1,688 price tag for house chores unveiled

San Francisco-based Nori Robotics has launched the Nori A3, an American-assembled humanoid robot priced at $1,688. The robot is set to begin shipping this fall, targeting consumers seeking affordable home automation. Unlike many humanoid robots, the Nori A3 uses a wheeled base and features 19 degrees of freedom. The company says it can perform a range of household tasks, including fetching food, pouring drinks, loading dishwashers, and folding clothes. Cheap home humanoid Humanoid robots are typically associated with advanced hardware and six-figure price tags, but San Francisco-based Nor Robotics is taking a different approach with its Nori A3. The American-assembled robot has launched for $1,688 and is expected to begin shipping this fall, positioning it as a low-cost platform for home robotics. “Our first batch went fast. A limited second batch is shipping this fall.We’re excited to see what developers, researchers, and teams build when capable humanoid hardware becomes this accessible,” said Nori in a post on LinkedIn. The Nori A3 uses a wheeled base rather than walking on two legs, allowing it to move around while its upper body handles physical tasks. It has 19 degrees of freedom, with a central body that can raise and lower its head and arms. The robot can lift to 122 pounds (55 kilograms) vertically, although its payload drops to 3.3 pounds (1.5 kilograms) when its arms are fully extended.For perception and navigation, Nori is equipped with lidar and four 720p cameras positioned around its hands, head, and neck. These sensors allow the robot to perceive its surroundings while carrying out tasks. The robot also includes a speaker and microphone for spoken commands. Its battery provides between six and eight hours of operation, supporting extended use across household and other applications. Robot meets home The robot is designed for practical household applications rather than simply demonstrating mobility. According to Nori Robotics, it can fetch food from a refrigerator, pour drinks, load dishes into a dishwasher, and fold clothes. Its battery can provide between six and eight hours of operation, giving it enough endurance for extended use around the home. Another technology feature is the Skill Marketplace, essentially an app store for the robot. Owners can share skills they have taught Nori and install capabilities developed by other users. This could allow the platform to expand its functionality beyond the tasks supported at launch, reports Forbes. Nori Robotics has also begun producing the robots, with the first Nori units shipped on July 21. However, the company has historically operated with relatively small production batches, meaning availability could remain limited if demand increases.According to experts, the Nori A3 is not a fully bipedal humanoid and is not designed to match the speed or capabilities of more expensive platforms. However, its combination of sensors, manipulation capabilities, software tools, and low price could make it an accessible entry point into physical AI and home robotics.Get the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.Jijo is an automotive and business journalist based in India. Armed with a BA in History (Honors) from St. Stephen's College, Delhi University, and a PG diploma in Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, he has worked for news agencies, national newspapers, and automotive magazines. In his spare time, he likes to go off-roading, engage in political discourse, travel, and teach languages.