Chinese robotic systems firm Unitree marks a groundbreaking development with the upgrade of its humanoid robot.
The robot, called H1, has also been billed as the 'world's most powerful general-purpose humanoid robot' with its advanced "powertrain [which] provides the highest level of speed, power, maneuverability and flexibility," claims Unitree's website.
Situated in Hangzhou, just outside Shanghai, Unitree Robotics was established in 2017. The company's mission is to democratize legged robotics, aspiring to make them as widespread and cost-effective as smartphones and drones are in contemporary times.
A forefront player in quadrupedal robotics, Unitree has introduced the latest iteration of its Go2 quadruped, with its basic iteration costing $1,600. Leveraging its expertise, the company has successfully created and brought to market essential leg mechanics and drive systems for its quadruped product line. This not only positions Unitree as a formidable force but also provides a competitive advantage over rivals in the humanoid sector.
Technologically advanced robot withstanding kicks
The firm's H1 humanoid robot features a height of approximately 71 inches (1800mm), weighs around 100 lbs (47kg), and incorporates an internally developed high-torque joint motor and gear train by Unitree. The humanoid robot also features a 15-ah battery with a 0.863kWh capacity.
In terms of vision, the robot is equipped with a 3D LiDAR sensor and a depth camera. The leg joints offer 5 degrees of freedom (DOF), while the arms feature 4 DOF. Notably, the preliminary images of the robot reveal the absence of hands, featuring instead a cushioned nub at the arm's end. The company hints at ongoing development, teasing the imminent introduction of hands for the robot.
H1 has a walking speed comparable to human beings at 3.4mph (5.6 km/h). In the promotional video, an engineer from Unitree is depicted attempting to disrupt the H1's movement by kicking it as it strolls along the street. However, these efforts prove futile, as the robot consistently regains its balance with each attempted disturbance.
Furthermore, with a peak torque of 360 Nm at the knees, the Unitree H1 robot demonstrates autonomous walking and running capabilities across demanding terrains and intricate environments. Its versatility extends its applicability to diverse industries, services, and applications, according to the firm.
While an official release date for H1 has not been disclosed by the company, the firm plans to initiate deliveries in the first quarter of 2024, and its website claims that orders for H1 are now open. The anticipated price range for H1 is approximately $150,000.
AI-enabled
The company showcased the future of AI technology applications with its quadruped robot B1 and saw effective results in the multi-operation with inspection sectors. B1, equipped with advanced recognition devices, achieves real-time information transmission for efficient and high-precision power inspections. Its 3D LIDAR enables automatic path planning, collision avoidance, and high-accuracy scanning during inspections, reducing errors and time costs significantly.
Additionally, a super telephoto camera reads meter data remotely, and a thermal imaging dual-spectrum head monitors temperature changes, ensuring safe and stable equipment operation. This highlights its practical value in specific application scenarios, according to the firm.
Utilizing self-developed AI algorithms, the Unitree Quadruped Robot B1 autonomously addresses diverse inspection challenges. The agile Mechanical Arm Z1 efficiently handles tasks such as controlling switches and pressing buttons, benefiting from AI algorithms intelligently identifying objects for optimized inspections. Integrated with the Unitree Inspection System, the robot can designate flexible tasks and connect to third-party systems. This includes generating and enhancing inspection reports and aiding power staff in tracking and maintaining equipment operation status.
Unitree and Boston Dynamics stand out as prominent competitors in the field of robotics, with the former emphasizing its focus on providing commercially available consumer models at more budget-friendly price points.
Originally published on Interesting Engineering : Original article