Humanoid Database
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Xueba 01
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SUMMARY:
Xueba 01 is a 1.75‑meter, 30–32 kg humanoid robot developed by the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology (USST) in partnership with DroidUp Robotics.
In 2025, it became the first humanoid robot ever accepted into a PhD program, joining the Shanghai Theatre Academy (STA) to study digital performance, drama, film, and motion‑based artistic expression.
Designed as an AI artist, Xueba 01 blends humanoid embodiment, expressive motion control, and script‑aware interaction, positioning it as a pioneering platform for robotic performance, multimodal expression, and embodied cognition research.
Latest Updates (2025–2026):
- Accepted into Shanghai Theatre Academy’s PhD program in Drama/Film (2025)
- Announced publicly at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC)
- Height confirmed at 1.75 m, weight 30–32 kg
- Program focus: digital performance design, multimodal interaction, artistic cognition
- Earlier prototype placed third in the world’s first humanoid half‑marathon
- Research goal: develop new training methods for embodied agents in artistic domains
- Public reception: viral attention, mixed reactions, widespread debate in China
EDITORIAL:
The First Robot PhD Student
Xueba 01 is not just a humanoid robot — it is a symbolic leap in how society perceives embodied AI.
By entering a doctoral program in drama and film, Xueba 01 challenges the boundary between machine performance and human artistic expression.
Its creators describe it as a “handsome male adult” designed for stage presence, emotional nuance, and expressive motion
.
This is not a factory robot repurposed for art.
It is a humanoid engineered from the ground up for performance, script interpretation, and multimodal expression.
The Shanghai Theatre Academy’s decision to admit Xueba 01 into a PhD program sparked national debate — excitement, skepticism, humor, and philosophical questions about creativity, authorship, and the future of performing arts
Embodied AI Meets Performing Arts
The PhD program focuses on digital performance design, where Xueba 01 will train in:
- Motion control
- Scriptwriting
- Acting
- Stage interaction
- Multimodal expression
- Cognitive growth in artistic contexts
The goal is not to replace actors, but to explore how embodied AI can learn, interpret, and perform human‑centered artistic tasks
This is a new frontier:
Robots that don’t just move — they perform.
A Platform for Artistic Intelligence
Xueba 01 integrates:
- Motion‑control systems for expressive gestures
- Multimodal perception for stage interaction
- Cognitive models for script‑aware behavior
- Embodied learning loops for performance refinement
DroidUp Robotics describes it as a fusion of their AI‑powered robotic heads and general‑purpose humanoid bodies, creating a platform capable of lifelike presence
This positions Xueba 01 as a research tool for exploring how robots can learn timing, emotion, and narrative context — skills traditionally considered uniquely human.
A Cultural Moment
The announcement at WAIC 2025 placed Xueba 01 among 60+ humanoid robots showcased by 80 companies, yet it stood out as the only one entering a doctoral program
It became an online sensation — a “straight‑A student” robot whose name, Xueba, literally means top scholar
Whether viewed as a publicity stunt, a research milestone, or a philo
sophical provocation, Xueba 01 represents a new category:
The Artistic Humanoid.
Specifications:
Dimensions & Build
- Height: 175 cm
- Weight: ~30 kg
- Frame: Based on DroidUp Xingzhe II / X02‑Lite humanoid platform
- Exterior: Human‑like aesthetic design (“handsome male adult” appearance)
- Design Intent: Digital performance, expressive motion, artistic research
Not published:
- Structural load ratings
- Joint torque values
- Material composition
- Degrees of freedom (DoF)
- Actuator type
Mobility
- Locomotion: Not publicly documented for Xueba 01
- Balance: Unknown
- Terrain Capability: Not specified
- Mobility Lineage: Earlier version placed 3rd in humanoid half‑marathon
Not published:
- Walking speed (m/s)
- Step height
- Incline capability
- Fall‑recovery behavior
- Gait type
- Joint speed
Manipulation
- Arms: Not documented
- Hands: Not documented
- Payload Class: Unknown
- Precision: Unknown
Not published:
- Max payload (kg)
- Peak payload
- Grip force (N)
- Degrees of freedom per arm
- Hand DoF
- Manipulation capabilities
These fields remain open until official numbers are released.
Perception & Sensors
- Vision: Not disclosed
- Audio: Not disclosed
- Expression System: Multimodal expression for acting and performance
- Environmental Awareness: Not documented
- Safety Systems: Not documented
Not disclosed:
- Camera resolution
- Depth sensor type (Stereo / ToF / LiDAR)
- Field of view
- Microphone count
- IMU specifications
- Tactile sensing availability
Compute & AI
- Core Intelligence: Designed for digital performance, acting, scriptwriting, and embodied cognition
- Capabilities:
- Multimodal expression
- Motion‑control‑driven performance
- Human‑robot co‑performance
- Creative interaction
- On‑Device Compute: Not disclosed
- Cloud Support: Not disclosed
Not released:
- Processor type
- GPU/accelerator details
- AI model architecture
- SDK/API availability
- Supported programming languages
- Local‑only or offline mode
Connectivity
- Wireless: Not disclosed
- Integration: Academic research systems; digital performance tools
No published details on network protocols, app interfaces, or remote control capabilities.
Battery & Power
- Runtime: Not disclosed
- Charging: Not disclosed
- Power Management: Not disclosed
Unknown:
- Battery capacity (Wh)
- Charge time
- Power draw under load
Audio & Interaction
- Speakers: Not documented
- Interface: Multimodal expression; performance‑oriented interaction
- Behavioral Focus: Acting, script interpretation, expressive motion
Use Cases
- Digital acting
- Motion‑capture‑driven performance
- Scriptwriting research
- Human‑robot co‑performance
- Artistic installations
- Drama & film academic research
- Embodied cognition studies
Pricing
- Not a commercial product
- No pricing or subscription model
- Academic research platform only
Image: @ChinaViewTV
Company Source:
Key News & Coverage:
https://youtu.be/Rx9ifHWGzb8?si=WYpMyGFOyJxzmsa7
https://youtu.be/Rx9ifHWGzb8?si=tZdiJdz35ySi8xe2