Humanoid Robots Compared: Ameca vs Pepper vs NAO

Choosing between the UK's most popular humanoid robots? Ameca, Pepper, and NAO each serve different purposes, budgets, and audiences. This guide compares all three to help you pick the right robot for your event, classroom, or business.

Ameca by Engineered Arts

Ameca is the most advanced humanoid robot available for hire in the UK. With 52 degrees of freedom, 17 facial actuators producing lifelike expressions, and GPT-powered conversational AI, Ameca is the ultimate showstopper for premium events, product launches, and exhibitions. Standing 187cm tall, it commands attention in any room. However, Ameca is the most expensive option at around £4,200 per day and is mains-powered, which limits its mobility. Best for: large exhibitions, corporate keynotes, brand activations, and TV appearances.

Pepper by SoftBank Robotics

Pepper is the world's most widely deployed social robot, with over 25,000 units in service globally. At 120cm tall with an integrated chest tablet, Pepper recognises emotions, engages in natural conversation, and navigates autonomously. Pepper is battery-powered with approximately 12 hours of run time, making it highly mobile. At around £650 per day, it offers excellent value. Best for: customer greeting, retail engagement, hospitality, healthcare, education, and mid-size events.

NAO by Aldebaran

NAO is a compact 58cm humanoid robot used extensively in education and research. Despite its small stature, NAO packs 25 degrees of freedom, walks bipedally, dances, and speaks multiple languages. It is programmable in Python, C++, and through visual block coding, making it ideal for STEM education. NAO hire starts from around £500 per day. Best for: schools, universities, coding workshops, small events, and research.

Quick Comparison

Which Should You Hire?

Choose Ameca if you want maximum visual impact and budget is flexible. Choose Pepper for all-round versatility at a competitive price point. Choose NAO for education, research, or intimate settings where a compact robot is more appropriate. All three are available for hire through roboTED with UK-wide delivery and support.