China’s humanoid robots are getting cocky.
The country’s leading robotics firms are on a tear, releasing footage of their advanced AI robots conquering impressive feats. They’re breaking records for speed and long jumping as they establish new norms in competition and in the workplace.
Booster T1 Bests Quadruped in Soccer
Calling it a world first, Booster Robotics shared this footage of its T1 humanoid robot besting a quadrupedal robot in a soccer match. The video is from IROS 2024 in Abu Dhabi, where the Beijing-based startup showcased its Booster T-1 robot that’s now available for purchase.
On the X social media platform, Booster Robotics said it’s an event that will go down in history.
First-Ever Humanoid VS Quadruped. We WIN! This is an event that will go down in history. #humanoid #iros2024 #robotech #quadruped #morethanrobots pic.twitter.com/1eLZaMrbYD
— Booster Robotics (@boosterobotics) October 17, 2024
The game, which appears to be unofficial, pit three of the pint-sized T1s against three Unitree Go2 quadrupeds. Regardless, the feat is notable because humanoids typically struggle with stability compared to quadrupedal robots.
The Booster T1, which stands 1.2 meters and weighs 30 kg, has gained significant attention for its advanced motion control for flexible movements.
Bipedal and four-legged robots are judged separately in robot games due to their different mechanical structures and movement challenges. Humanoids are more prone to falling and require advanced motion control to balance on two legs. Quadrupeds benefit from their inherently superior stability, which allows them to focus more on manipulating objects like soccer balls without stumbling.
Compared to humans, neither is a threat on the soccer field. At least not yet. RoboCup was established in 1997 with the ultimate long-term goal of creating a team of fully autonomous humanoid robots that can defeat the human World Cup champions in a real soccer match by the year 2050.
Ultimately, humanoid robots likely have the edge over quadrupeds on the field as technology replicating humanlike complex motor control, balance, and strategic decision-making advances. Robots like MIT’s DribbleBot can traverse rough surfaces while controlling the ball but they struggle with the dynamic coordination and strategy needed to formidably challenge real athletes.
Though ambitious, rapid advances in AI and robotics could make humanoid robots better than the world’s top soccer players sooner than expected.
Fourier GR-2 Bodybuilding Robot
Fourier just shared cheeky footage of its advanced AI robot, the GR2, in the beginning of its bodybuilding journey. In the video, the humanoid robot goes nuts with a pair of adjustable dumbbells that presumably weigh 6.5 kg or 14.3 lbs each. For a human, curling that much in each hand is relatively light, especially for regular weight trainers.
For a humanoid robot, though, it’s notable as it requires highly advanced strength and dexterity. While a robot weight training might seem like a farce, it has valuable applications. For example, the GR-2 could assist patients performing strength-training exercises for physical rehab, which is a particularly strong domain for Fourier. Founded in 2015, Shanghai based Fourier initially focused on rehab technology.
As Fourier gained a reputation for pushing boundaries, the company ventured into humanoid robotics. When Fourier introduced its first-generation humanoid, the GR-1, in 2022, they leaned heavily into patient care.
Fourier ‘s rehab division offers Rehab Hub, a platform that integrates devices for walking, standing, and balance improvement, along with MetaMotus Galileo, a lower body exoskeleton system to help patients regain strength and mobility.
Fourier introduced its second-generation humanoid earlier in October, emphasizing its high torque rating and 53 degrees of freedom. Its 380 Nm of torque is enough to lift patients into wheelchairs, move furniture, and operate industrial tools.
Fourier says the GR-2 has 12 degrees of freedom in its hand. That’s the same as NASA’s Robonaut R2, which is designed for precise tasks in space. Fourier ’s advanced actuation system provides precise control of the robot.
Each joint in the GR-2 is powered by a flexible series actuator unit specifically tuned to meet its unique torque demands.
Unitree G1 Sets Long Jumping Record
Unitree’s short king, the G1, is the likely record holder for the longest standing long jump achieved by a humanoid robot of its size.
The leading Chinese robotics company just shared footage of the AI robot performing a 1.4-meter (4.6-foot) standing long jump. To put that in perspective, 1.4 meters is roughly the length of a standard park bench or dining table, making this feat even more remarkable.
At 1.3 meters (4 feet 3 inches) tall, the G1 is about the size of a 6- or 7-year-old child, and its ability to jump this far is a testament to its advanced design.
The robot’s jumping capabilities bring it into the same category as Cassie, a bipedal robot from Agility Robotics. While Cassie is focused solely on legged locomotion without a humanoid upper body, both robots excel in dynamic movement tasks like jumping.
When comparing the G1 to larger humanoid robots, Atlas by Boston Dynamics stands out. Atlas is likely capable of outperforming the G1 in a long jump due to its agility and power. Atlas has been seen performing advanced movements like backflips and parkour, though no official jump distance has been recorded for direct comparison.
The G1’s achievement underscores the growing capabilities of humanoid and bipedal robots, as they continue to close the gap in physical performance when compared to humans. In August, Unitree introduced the latest iteration of the G1 that’s designed for mass production.
With its $16K asking price, the G1 opens accessibility for advanced humanoid robotics to a broader range of users from researchers to entrepreneurs to hobbyists. Unitree says the design, optimized for large-scale manufacturing, enhances the robot’s strength. The G1 features 23 to 43 joint motors depending on the model. It walks at speeds up to 2 meters per second. Its battery provides about 2 hours of use per charge, with quick-release functionality for easy swapping.
The G1 comes equipped with advanced sensors, including Intel RealSense and 3D LiDAR so it can see and navigate its environment. It can be fitted with dexterous hands that can perform delicate tasks like opening bottles, handling fragile items, and even welding. The hands use force-controlled technology to simulate the precision of human hands. Unitree says the robot excels at household and industrial tasks.
The G1 is a smaller, more affordable version of Unitree’s flagship robot, the H1. Unitree boasts the full-size version as the world’s fastest humanoid robot. While the H1 has more size and power, the G1 offers similar advanced features in a more compact package.
UBTECH Walker S1 Strength
UBTECH released footage of its new industrial humanoid robot, the Walker S1, carrying a heavy parcel while walking smoothly on a treadmill. The load is 16.3 kilos, or just under 36 pounds—about the weight of a typical countertop microwave.
According to UBTECH, the Walker S1 possesses advanced AI, enabling it to perform tricky tasks with remarkable control and balance. Its camera system provides 360-degree safety monitoring, while its dexterous hands, equipped with tactile sensors, ensure it can grip and hold objects with precision.
UBTECH highlights that Walker S1’s multi-task execution capabilities make it an ideal humanoid for a wide range of industrial applications.
Robots from UBTECH’s Walker line have already been deployed in real-world scenarios, including Zeekr’s 5G Smart Factory and FAW Volkswagen’s plant in Qingdao, where they assist with demanding manufacturing processes.
The world has a new fastest humanoid robot.
Robot Era Star1: Fastest Bipedal Humanoid Robot
That’s according to Robot Era, a China-based startup that just released this footage of its Star1 humanoid running in the Gobi Desert’s Hexi Corridor.
The robot can run up to 3.6 meters per second. At that pace, which equates to 8 miles per hour, the robot can finish a 5K race in about 23 minutes. That’s way above average compared to human runners who typically take between 26 and 35 minutes.
Robot Era also tested whether the Star1 is faster with sneakers or barefoot. In the test, the sneakered robot started late but still beat out the competing robot. According to Robot Era, the Star1 can run for 34 minutes, navigating tough terrains like grassland, gravel, and mountain trails.
The Star1 robot’s speed surpasses the previous fastest humanoid, Unitree’s H1, which set a record at 3.3 meters per second. The leading Chinese robotics company announced the world record in March 2024.