Most answers to "how much does a prototype cost" are ranges. These are the actual numbers from three devices Anvol's engineers in Shenzhen built and delivered: $1,100 for a 24-channel logic analyzer, $6,500 for a lidar line-following car and $30,000 for a swing-arm tracked robot. Each total is a one-time development fee plus the units built at that batch's price. All amounts are in US dollars.
24-channel logic analyzer: $1,100
Development fee $800. Built 15 units at $20 each, $300. Total $1,100. Delivered.
Lidar line-following car: $6,500
Development fee $5,000. Built 10 units at $150 each, $1,500. Total $6,500. Delivered.
Swing-arm tracked robot: $30,000
Development fee $10,000. Built 4 units at $5,000 each, $20,000. Total $30,000. Delivered.
What these totals leave out
Certification: none of the three went through FCC or CE, which is quoted separately when a product needs it. Shipping and import duties: they are not in these prices, and the customer usually arranges freight once the units leave the factory. Anything extra a customer asks for, such as tutorials, training or a live demo, is priced on top.
Why does the development fee vary so much?
It follows the engineering work, not the unit count. As a rule of thumb from Anvol's engineers, a simple small device takes about $500 to $3,000 of development and a larger robot about $10,000 to $20,000. The three projects above are the real figures, so use them, not the ranges, to compare.
Why is the price per unit high in a small batch?
In batches this size, Anvol's engineers see the unit cost split roughly 40% parts, 40% circuit board and assembly, 15% enclosure and 5% final assembly and testing. Board assembly is the expensive line because each run has a fixed machine setup charge, paid again on every small run. Most of the projects Anvol's engineers take are batches of 5 to 20.
What about 100 or 1,000 units?
We do not publish 100 or 1,000 unit prices from these projects, because none of them were made at that volume and the per-unit price above should not be stretched to it. A larger order is priced for that quantity, design and delivery scope. Anvol gives the price for 1, 10 and 100 units where it applies when it costs your device.
How do I get a number for my device?
Describe it to Anvol in a few sentences; a sketch, a photo of something close or a parts list helps. Anvol asks what it needs to know, and its engineers cost it from real parts and supplier quotes. Getting a cost is free, a 30% deposit starts a prototype round, and the balance is due after you approve the physical sample. A small batch follows when you are ready.
A cost is not a guaranteed final price or delivery date, and nothing is charged or started without your approval. How Anvol works · More answers.
Reviewed October 1, 2026. Talk to Anvol