Alza, the largest Czech online retailer, has just begun testing two humanoid robots named Adam and Božena. These models come from the Chinese brand Unitree Robotics and rank among today’s leading affordable humanoid robots. Adam is the Unitree G1 Basic version, while Božena is the more advanced Unitree G1 EDU variant. According to Alza PR manager Eliška Čeřovská, the names were chosen to be easy to remember and systematic—inspired by the alphabet with a Czech touch. The company expects to add more robots, so it opted for traditional Czech names that will make them easier to identify.
At present, these robots are intended mainly for technology enthusiasts, schools, and companies that want to explore practical applications of robotics. Alza is testing them internally but plans to introduce them to the public soon in its showrooms and at selected events. Interested visitors will be able to try them out in person, helping people understand how such technologies work in a real-world environment. Eliška Čeřovská emphasizes that for schools, this is about preparing children for a future full of automation, while companies can test how well the robots handle routine tasks.
What Adam and Božena Can Do
Adam, the Basic version, costs approximately CZK 660,000 and is intended primarily for demonstrations and a basic introduction to robotics. Božena, the EDU variant, is more expensive—around CZK 1.9 million—but offers far more possibilities. It is fully programmable, equipped with advanced sensors, and allows users to experiment with their own applications. Both robots are approximately 130 centimeters tall, weigh 35 kilograms, and have 23 joints, giving them excellent mobility.
Thanks to 3D perception using a depth camera and LiDAR, the robots can perceive their surroundings in detail. They have an eight-core processor, Wi-Fi 6 support, and a battery life of around two hours. In terms of movement, they can walk, run, and perform acrobatic maneuvers, including flips. They can also be expanded with additional sensors, movable components, or modules according to the user’s specific needs. This means that Božena can be used not only for entertainment but also to develop custom solutions, for example in the workplace or in education.
Alza’s Plans
Alza is focusing on building its expertise and portfolio in robotics. In the first phase, it is concentrating on corporate customers, who can test the robots in practice. The company is also considering a rental program to allow the wider public to try out these technologies. By the end of this year, it plans to test one or two more new models, and it expects deliveries of additional robots at the beginning of next year.
The goal is to educate people about the potential of humanoid robots and prepare for a time when they become a common part of homes and businesses. Eliška Čeřovská explains that today, robots are primarily educational and development platforms, but in the near future they could help with specific tasks. Alza has already received initial interest from the education sector and wants to establish partnerships with suppliers and users to expand its offering in line with demand.
Robots at Events and in Entertainment
In testing its humanoid robots, Alza is also drawing inspiration from successful examples abroad, where similar technologies are already gaining traction in entertainment and at public events. For example, the Pepper robot by SoftBank Robotics appeared at Tourism EXPO Japan, where it handed out promotional materials, conversed with visitors in several languages, and provided information about local attractions. Another well-known model is Sophia by Hanson Robotics, which appeared on the television program The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, spoke at the United Nations, and became an attraction at RoboLand in Orlando, where it interacts with visitors. The Ameca robot by Engineered Arts attracted attention at the Museum of the Future in Dubai thanks to its expressive facial movements and conversational abilities. These examples show how robots such as Adam and Božena can be used not only for work but also for entertainment—from dancing and singing to comedy routines. Alza sees potential here to appeal to event agencies looking for innovative ways to attract audience attention, suggesting that humanoid robots are becoming a global trend with a wide range of applications, from education to entertainment.
Source: forbes.cz and mediaguru.cz
