Sanctuary AI Phoenix: humanoid with hydraulic hands

Written by ROBOTio Team · · 5 min read

Article summary

Phoenix by Sanctuary AI features hydraulic hands with tactile sensing, but is not available for event hire. Specifications, development status and alternatives: Unitree G1 or H2.

Sanctuary AI Phoenix is a universal humanoid from Canadian company Sanctuary AI, renowned for its hydraulic hands with tactile sensing. However, you cannot deploy it at a corporate event: it has never been commercially sold, is not available for hire, and ROBOTio does not offer it. If you are looking for a humanoid that will actually be available at your event, consider [Unitree G1 and H2 from our fleet](https://robotio.eu/robot-rental). ## What is Sanctuary AI Phoenix Phoenix is a humanoid designed for general-purpose work tasks. It is developed by Sanctuary AI (Sanctuary Cognitive Systems) from Vancouver, founded in 2018. The sixth generation, together with the Carbon system, was unveiled on 16 May 2023. Clients know it from the media as a robot with exceptional hands, and it is precisely for this reason that we monitor it. Further details about the manufacturer can be found on the [Sanctuary AI brand page](https://robotio.eu/brands/sanctuary-ai) and in the [Phoenix model profile](https://robotio.eu/sanctuary-phoenix). ## Manufacturer Specifications - **Height and weight:** 170 cm and 70 kg (6th generation data from 2023). - **Payload capacity:** 25 kg. - **Speed:** approximately 1.3 m/s; not specified for the wheeled 8th generation. - **Hands:** hydraulic, 21 degrees of freedom, tactile sensing. - **Base:** generations 6–7 legs, generation 8 (2025) wheeled. - **Sensors:** depth cameras, audio, telemetry and tactile sensing in hands. - **Not disclosed:** total degrees of freedom, battery capacity, computational power or price. ## What Phoenix can do The hands are the main attraction. Hydraulics with tactile sensing enable fine manipulation of objects. In April 2026, the company demonstrated manipulation of an object without prior training (zero-shot). The robot is controlled by the Carbon system. It combines symbolic reasoning with language models, simulation-based training, teleoperation and fleet management. Teleoperation serves as a source of training data and backup for unknown situations. Sanctuary reports that with the 7th generation, it reduced the time to automate a new task from weeks to under 24 hours. In 2023, the robot handled 110 tasks in a pilot at a retail store. ## Development Timeline - **January–March 2023:** first commercial pilot of the 5th generation at a Mark's (Canadian Tire) store in Langley. - **25 April 2024:** 7th generation with greater wrist and hand range of motion, reduced hydraulics and lower costs. - **April 2024:** Magna joined the company with plans to manufacture Phoenix robots and deploy them in their own facilities. - **November 2024:** departure of co-founder and CEO Geordie Rose, and lay-off of approximately 30 staff. - **7 January 2025:** 8th generation with wheeled base. Sanctuary stated that bipedal legs are too fragile for a powerful torso and wheels are better for data collection and lower costs. - **From June 2026:** the company is led by Daniel Friedmann. ## Status and Availability: Why It Is Not Available for Hire Phoenix has never been commercially sold, and Sanctuary does not offer it commercially as of September 2026. The company is focused on software: from 2025 to 2026, it is deploying its AI on industrial robots from other manufacturers, reporting a task success rate exceeding 99.5 %. The price has never been disclosed, and amounts on aggregators do not come from the manufacturer. ROBOTio does not hire or sell Phoenix. We monitor availability in Europe, but planning an event with it is not possible. The same applies to other models that cannot be ordered for events, such as [Figure 03](https://robotio.eu/figure-03) or [Tesla Optimus](https://robotio.eu/tesla-optimus). ## Implications for Corporate Events At an event, you typically do not need a robot to fold laundry or sort parts. You need it to operate among guests, engage them and safely deliver the programme. This is what G1 and H2 do today: - walking among guests, gestures and handshakes, - conversation in 13 languages; the robot speaks in the language the guest addresses it in, - pre-approved persona and responses, - the robot maintains balance on its own, the operator controls direction and gestures. Each robot has two operators throughout the event. No event robot currently offers fine tactile manipulation. If you need it in your programme, we believe it is faster today to purchase a proven gripper for an available humanoid than to wait for Phoenix. We can advise on gripper selection. ### Where G1 and H2 Are Suitable - [corporate events](https://robotio.eu/robot-hire-by-event-type) and [conferences](https://robotio.eu/robot-hire-by-event-type), - [trade shows](https://robotio.eu/robot-hire-by-event-type) and [product presentations](https://robotio.eu/robot-hire-by-event-type), - [technology events](https://robotio.eu/robot-hire-by-event-type). A practical example can be found in the implementation [Brilon × Aquatherm at PVA Expo Letňany](https://robotio.eu/case-study/pva-letnany-otevreni-haly), whose video has over 2 million views. ## Phoenix, G1 and H2 in a Nutshell - **Phoenix:** 170 cm, hydraulic hands with tactile sensing, not available for events, manufacturer focuses on software. - **Unitree G1:** 135 cm, from our fleet, we deploy R.U.D.A. and R.I.C.O. robots at events. Details: [G1 Basic](https://robotio.eu/unitree-g1-basic). - **Unitree H2:** 180 cm, a taller robot for larger spaces and stages. We can deploy up to 4 humanoids at a single event. We also offer the show [ROBOrevue](https://robotio.eu/case-study/roborevue-svetova-premiera-pariz-2026) with three robots and three dancers, which requires a minimum area of 12 × 6 m. Compare other models in our [model overview](https://robotio.eu/models). ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can Phoenix be hired or purchased? No. Phoenix has never been commercially sold, and Sanctuary AI does not offer it as of September 2026. ### How much does Phoenix cost? The price has not been disclosed. Amounts on aggregators do not come from the manufacturer. ### Why does the 8th generation have wheels? According to Sanctuary, bipedal legs are too fragile for a powerful torso, and wheels are better for data collection and lower costs. ### What can replace Phoenix at an event? Unitree G1 or H2 from our fleet with dedicated operators. For projects involving manipulation, we can advise on gripper selection and robots that are actually available. ## Do You Need a Humanoid at Your Event? Tell us what you are planning. We will prepare a price on request and send you a quote within 24 hours. Submit a non-binding enquiry on the [humanoid robot hire](https://robotio.eu/robot-rental) page.

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Category

technologie

Tags

  • Sanctuary AI
  • Phoenix
  • humanoid robots
  • hydraulic hands
  • robot for events
  • Unitree G1
  • Unitree H2

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ROBOTio helps companies rent, demonstrate and integrate humanoid robots: Unitree G1 and H2 for events, trade fairs, conferences and marketing campaigns — always with our own operators.