Unitree G1 Bionic: Flexible Upgrades – YouTube
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Researchers in China have created a new kind of humanoid robot that can walk and run on various types of terrain, reaching speeds of about 4.5 miles per hour (7.2 kilometers per hour).
Movement and walking have always been a challenge for bipedal robots, as bipedal locomotion is an inherently unstable process. We walk by essentially allowing ourselves to fall forward before righting ourselves with the other leg, and then repeating the action. However, developers have had difficulty reproducing this kind of movement in robot software, as it conflicts with the need to maintain balance.
Chinese robotics company Unitree has achieved this goal with its G1 Bionic robot, which uses 3D lidar sensors and depth-sensing cameras to allow the robot to perceive its environment in real time and constantly adjust its posture. The robot’s joints are also equipped with force-control technology to dynamically adjust power output, allowing it to maintain balance.
Unitree recently posted a video showing the G1 Bionic walking and running over hills, railroad ties, and rocks. However, the video doesn't show the robot starting to run or changing speed, so it's unclear how well it performs at these tasks.
The developers created the robot's control AI to mimic human movements across a variety of landscapes, training it on a full-body motion capture dataset. The G1 Bionic's rhythmic run resembles a runner with a noticeably longer stride.
Many modern industrial robots require either regular battery recharging or direct connection to a power source. Given the environment in which Unitree is demonstrating its flexible robot and the lack of obvious power cables, it is safe to assume that the G1 Bionic is also battery powered. However, it is unknown how long its battery can last.
A humanoid robot would likely have a natural advantage in environments designed for human movement, such as cities and buildings. If the robot could also carry things while running, it could be useful in assisting emergency services in critical situations, for example.
Peter Ray EllisonSocial Links Navigation
Peter is a qualified engineer and an experienced freelance journalist specialising in science, technology and culture. His writing has appeared in a variety of publications including the BBC, Computer Weekly, IT Pro, The Guardian and The Independent. Peter has been working in technology journalism for over ten years. He holds a degree in Computer Engineering from Sheffield Hallam University. His experience spans both the engineering and architecture sectors, working for companies including Rolls-Royce and Arup.
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