Robot Transport, Setup and Teardown: Timeline for…

On the day, a hired humanoid robot needs a loading window, a step-free route to its spot, unpacking and checks, charged batteries, start-up and a rehearsal before guests arrive – and the same in reverse after the event. The supplier runs these steps, but the venue and the timing are yours, so ask for a written timeline and build it into your event schedule.

How robots travel

Unitree G1. The G1 folds to 690 × 450 × 300 mm and weighs about 35 kg. A distributor's manual describes it travelling in a suitcase with its remote control and charger, and notes that the suitcase wheels are not suitable for outdoor use, so a separate trolley is recommended. Packing it from a lying position is a two-person job.
Unitree H1. At about 1.80 m and 47 kg, with an 864 Wh battery that Unitree describes as quickly replaceable, it needs a larger case and more handling.
Pepper. It moves on wheels, but when it is switched off it has to be pushed by hand with great care, one hand on its shoulder and one on its hip.

Batteries in transit. Robot batteries are large: Unitree lists the H1's at 864 Wh, and a reseller lists the G1's at 421.2 Wh. For air transport, IATA's 2026 battery guidance says lithium-ion batteries shipped on their own are forbidden as cargo on passenger aircraft, and since 1 January 2026 lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment must travel at no more than 30% state of charge (for batteries installed in equipment, this is recommended). Shipping is the supplier's responsibility, but it has a practical consequence for you: a robot may arrive with low batteries. The G1 manual also warns that the battery may have low or no power after transport and storage because of self-discharge. Build charging time into the setup.

A typical timeline on the day

Durations depend on the robot and the supplier, so ask for theirs in writing. The sequence is usually:

Arrival and unloading – a booked loading-bay slot, parking for the van and a contact who meets the crew.
Route to the spot – lifts, doors and corridors checked in advance (see the venue checklist).
Unpacking and inspection – the G1 manual's pre-start checklist includes making sure no water, oil, sand or soil has got into the robot and that the battery and remote control are charged.
Charging – if the batteries arrived low, this can be the longest step.
Start-up – the G1 can be started sitting on a chair, hanging from a protective frame, or from lying on the ground; its boot takes about a minute before it is ready to be stood up. A hanging start needs space and height backstage for the frame.
Network and content check – pair controllers, load the routine, test audio.
Rehearsal in the real space – on the real floor, with the real lighting and sound, ideally at the same time of day as the show.
Doors open – appearances in blocks, with breaks for cooling, charging or battery swaps.
Teardown – once guests have left the area, followed by packing and the return journey.

Avoid software updates on the day. Pepper's documentation notes that start-up can take much longer during a system upgrade – up to 30 minutes for a factory reset.

Charging and power during the event

The G1's battery is removed to charge, on a charger rated for 100–240 V AC. The manual says to let a warm battery cool to room temperature before charging it.
Pepper may wait for a hot battery to cool before charging, for example after a long dance routine. While its power hatch is open it cannot move, so the hatch must be closed before it goes back on.
Plan a quiet charging corner with a dedicated socket and a safe place for spare batteries. See battery life at events.

Teardown and the return leg

Teardown is a safety-critical step. The G1 manual warns of pinching hazards at the joints while folding the robot for packing. Keep guests away from the area, and do not schedule the load-out at the same moment as a crowd leaving the building.

In the quote, check that crew time before doors open and after they close is included, and that transport covers both directions: humanoid4rent's pricing guide notes that return legs are the most commonly omitted line in this category. See comparing robot hire quotes.

Checklist

A written timeline from the supplier: arrival, setup, rehearsal, show blocks, teardown
Loading-bay slot, parking and the name of your on-site contact
Lift dimensions and weight limit, door widths, steps and distance on the route (see safety and site requirements)
Backstage space for cases, a start-up frame if used, and charging
A dedicated socket, plus overnight access if batteries need charging
A rehearsal slot in the real space
No software updates on the event day
Teardown time after guests leave, and the return leg in the quote
A plan B if the robot arrives late or cannot run (see what if the robot fails)

Put your venue's access details and timings in your request so suppliers can quote transport and setup properly.

FAQ

How long before the event does the robot need to arrive?

It depends on the robot, the route and the battery state. Ask the supplier for their setup time in writing and add time for a rehearsal; if batteries may arrive low, charging can take longer than the setup itself.

Can a robot be shipped by air?

It can, but large lithium-ion batteries are dangerous goods under IATA rules, with limits on passenger aircraft and on state of charge. Leave the arrangements to the supplier, but plan for charging on arrival.

Who unloads and carries the robot?

Usually the supplier's crew – confirm it in the quote. The venue needs to provide access, a lift that fits and a clear route, and some packing steps need two people.

Can the robot charge during the event?

Yes, between appearances: the G1 uses removable batteries that charge off the robot, while Pepper and NAO charge from their plug-in chargers only when switched off. Plan the show blocks around that.

Sources

How this guide was made: prepared with AI assistance; every factual statement was checked against the sources listed above on 12 October 2026. Spotted an error? Write to info@humanoid4rent.com.