Tag: humanoid robot

  • Unitree R1: Humanoid Robot for Consumers Starting at $5,900

    Unitree R1: Humanoid Robot for Consumers Starting at $5,900

    Key Takeaways

    1. Unitree Robotics introduced the R1 robot, showcasing its acrobatic skills and multimodal AI capabilities in a promotional video.
    2. The R1 is priced at $5,900, making it more affordable than many competitors, and features 26 moving joints and advanced technology.
    3. Online reactions are mixed, with appreciation for the price but skepticism about its practical applications due to the lack of hands.
    4. The R1 primarily serves as an entertaining gadget for developers and tech enthusiasts rather than a functional household helper.
    5. Concerns exist about the authenticity of promotional videos, with some questioning if movements were enhanced through editing techniques.

    On July 25, Unitree Robotics uploaded a short one-minute video on YouTube to introduce the R1. This clip highlights the robot’s ability to perform acrobatic feats like cartwheels, shadowboxing, handstands, and jogging over uneven ground, all under the catchy phrase “Born for Sports.” Shortly after, their official website launched, offering additional technical specifications and promotional content.

    A New Player in Robotics

    With the introduction of the R1, Unitree Robotics looks ready to shake up the humanoid robot industry. At a price of only $5,900, this model is much more budget-friendly compared to several rivals. The R1 stands at 4 feet (121 cm) tall and weighs 55 pounds (25 kg), making it a relatively small android that features 26 moving joints. It runs on an 8-core processor that includes a GPU, and sports a 4-microphone array, stereo speakers, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2. Its multimodal AI capabilities allow for both speech and image recognition, appealing not just to developers but also to inquisitive buyers.

    Mixed Feelings Online

    Reactions to the R1 on Reddit have been varied. While many users find its price impressive, some express doubts about its practical applications. A frequent worry is the lack of hands, which restricts its ability to carry out useful tasks. One user jokingly pointed out, “Can you make me breakfast?” to which the robot would reply, “No, but look, I can do a somersault.” There are also doubts regarding the authenticity of the promotional videos, with some wondering if certain movements were improved using CGI or clever editing techniques.

    More of a Gadget Than a Helper

    Though the Unitree R1 is aimed at consumers, it primarily functions as a sophisticated gadget for developers, tech lovers, and content creators. Its appeal leans towards entertainment—serving as an engaging conversational partner, a dancing robot, or an eye-catching attraction at events and gatherings. Without functional hands or the capability to perform specific tasks, it’s unlikely to assist with daily chores like cooking, cleaning, or operating household appliances.

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  • Humanoid RoboCop: China Deploys Real-Life Police Robot

    Humanoid RoboCop: China Deploys Real-Life Police Robot

    Key Takeaways

    1. PM01 is a humanoid police robot designed to assist police officers with monitoring public areas and aiding tourists.
    2. The robot features advanced capabilities, including facial recognition and multilingual communication, but is not an independent law enforcement agent.
    3. Priced at approximately $14,000, PM01 aims for widespread deployment in various sectors, including education and retail, in addition to policing.
    4. The introduction of PM01 has sparked mixed reactions online, with some viewing it as dystopian or “scary,” while others see it as a positive step in technological advancement.
    5. The robot gained significant attention after a video demonstration, highlighting both its abilities and the public’s concerns about automation in society.

    Humanoid robots have already demonstrated impressive abilities such as Kung Fu and even finishing a half marathon, but now, they might soon be seen in police uniforms. In Shenzhen, China, a humanoid police robot has begun its first patrol. Named PM01 and created by Engine AI, this robot was unveiled as part of a larger effort to integrate robotics into public safety measures. PM01 stands at 4 feet 7 inches tall and weighs 88 pounds, and its main job is to assist police officers with tasks like monitoring public areas and aiding tourists.

    Supportive Functionality

    PM01 is not an independent law enforcement agent but a support tool meant to help police with their regular responsibilities. It wears a bright vest similar to that of human officers and is driven by industrial-grade actuators. It has a 320° rotating hip that allows it to scan its environment without moving its feet. With facial recognition capabilities and microphones that can understand both Mandarin and Cantonese, PM01 is able to greet people, report lost children, and communicate suspicious activities to a central command center. A video on YouTube shows the robot even doing a forward somersault, showcasing some flair in its abilities.

    Affordable Robotics

    The price tag for PM01 is approximately 14,000 US dollars, making it relatively budget-friendly and aimed at future widespread deployment in cities—not just for police use, but also in civilian contexts like education and retail.

    The PM01 was first revealed during a 40-second clip by the Chinese news agency CGTN on February 26, 2025. Initially, it didn’t attract much attention, but the discussion has picked up significantly on platforms like YouTube and Reddit. The reactions on YouTube have been particularly striking, with many users labeling the robot as “scary,” “dystopian,” or even “sick.” Comparisons to RoboCop and the Terminator are frequently made, often paired with worries about dehumanization, a lack of empathy, and larger ethical concerns. Only a few see PM01 as a natural progression toward an ever-more automated world.

    Mixed Reactions on Reddit

    Conversely, Reddit users have taken a more optimistic view, with a community that tends to embrace technology and innovation. A post from April 5, 2025, gained notable attention for talking about the robot’s authenticity, sparked by an interaction with streamer IShowSpeed. Many users were astonished and impressed to find out that the robot was indeed real, especially since initial rumors suggested it could be CGI.

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  • 1X Technologies Launches NEO Gamma Humanoid Robot for Home Tasks

    1X Technologies Launches NEO Gamma Humanoid Robot for Home Tasks

    Key Takeaways

    1. The NEO Gamma humanoid robot assists with household tasks like cleaning, heavy lifting, and serving food and drinks.
    2. It uses advanced AI for speech, object handling, and movement, featuring a large language model for conversations and reinforcement learning for human-like walking.
    3. The robot’s design includes jointed hands with soft coverings for safety and a 3D-printed nylon suit for its body.
    4. Equipped with three internal speakers and four microphones, the NEO Gamma can play music and clearly pick up user commands.
    5. Interested users can join a waitlist for updates on pricing and availability.

    1X Technologies has introduced its newest prototype of a humanoid robot, known as the NEO Gamma. This innovative robot is designed to assist its owners with various household tasks, including cleaning tables, helping with heavy lifting like opening doors, serving food and drinks, and even functioning as a portable sound system.

    Advanced AI Capabilities

    The NEO Gamma operates on multiple artificial intelligences that manage its speech, object handling, and movement. The speech AI employs a specially designed large language model (LLM) to facilitate smooth and natural conversations with users. For movement, the robot relies on reinforcement learning at a frequency of 100 Hz, allowing it to move with a human-like walk.

    Object Handling and Design

    For its object manipulation, the robot uses pre-trained neural networks that enable it to grasp and interact with different items, even those it hasn’t encountered before, thanks to its array of sensors. The robot features jointed hands with soft coverings to ensure safety for its owners, while the rest of its body is enveloped in a 3D-printed nylon suit, crafted using a specialized Shima Seki computerized knitting machine.

    Sound and Interaction

    The NEO Gamma is equipped with three internal speakers—one located in the chest and two in the pelvic area—allowing it to play music, deliver speech, and produce sound effects. Additionally, it features four microphones that use beamforming and echo cancellation to clearly pick up user commands. To indicate its status, the robot has two LED lights shaped like ears on either side of its head. When in use, the NEO Gamma operates quietly, comparable to the sound of a standard refrigerator.

    Readers interested in this remarkable robot can join the NEO Gamma waitlist for more information regarding its pricing and availability.

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  • Significant Improvements Mark Tesla’s Release of Optimus Gen 2 Humanoid Robot, Surpassing Optimus Gen 1

    Significant Improvements Mark Tesla’s Release of Optimus Gen 2 Humanoid Robot, Surpassing Optimus Gen 1

    The Optimus Gen 2 humanoid robot is set to be released soon, as announced by Tesla. This new version of the robot boasts a range of improvements, including new hands and foot force sensing. It is also faster and lighter than its predecessor, offering a 30% increase in speed. The release of the Optimus Gen 2 comes just 9 months after the unveiling of the first Optimus robot.

    Improved Features and Capabilities

    The performance and endurance capabilities of the Optimus Gen 2 remain consistent with its predecessor. However, the new hands offer 11 degrees of freedom, allowing for better handling of sensitive and delicate objects. Additionally, the robot now includes a 2 degrees of freedom neck, along with foot force/torque sensing and articulated toe sections that mimic the human foot. These enhancements give the Optimus Gen 2 a more human-like appearance and make it suitable for a wide range of applications. The robot’s AI functionality is also noteworthy.

    Enhanced Design and Control

    The Optimus Gen 2 features actuators and sensors with integrated circuits and harnessing. Compared to the previous model, it has been reduced in weight by 10kg, resulting in better balance and control over the entire body. To showcase the improved posture control, Tesla has presented a duo of dancing robots. Furthermore, the robot’s speed is demonstrated through a catwalk performance before a lineup of Cybertrucks.

    Video Highlights and Release Information

    A video showcasing the Optimus Gen 2 was shared on X (formerly Twitter), providing a closer look at various aspects of the robot. The video even demonstrates the robot’s ability to handle eggs with precision, emphasizing the advancements made in this new model. However, Tesla has not yet provided any specific details regarding the release date and price of the Optimus Gen 2.

    In conclusion, the Optimus Gen 2 humanoid robot from Tesla brings several improvements to its predecessor, including new hands, foot force sensing, and increased speed. With its human-like appearance and versatile applications, this robot is expected to make a significant impact. Although further information regarding its release and pricing is still awaited, the Optimus Gen 2 is poised to be a game-changer in the field of robotics.

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  • Open Source Hongmeng Released: World’s First Humanoid Robot

    Open Source Hongmeng Released: World’s First Humanoid Robot

    Aelos: Groundbreaking Humanoid Robot Operating on Open-Source HarmonyOS

    The unveiling of Aelos, the world’s initial humanoid robot driven by the HarmonyOS operating system, signifies a momentous achievement by Shenzhen Kaihong Technology and Leju Robot. This collaboration represents a pivotal juncture in the progression of smart robotics.

    Adaptable Educational Platform featuring Advanced Sensor Technologies

    Aelos stands as an adaptable educational platform geared towards enhancing learning and exploration in diverse environments, ranging from industrial to service sectors. It boasts an array of sophisticated sensors, including monitors for blood oxygen levels and heart rates, tools for measuring temperature and humidity, infrared thermometers, human presence detectors, NFC capabilities, OLED displays, and LED lighting systems. These sensors empower Aelos with the ability to comprehend its surroundings and make informed decisions.

    Effortless Connectivity and Heightened Performance

    Aelos effortlessly connects with a myriad of devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers, negating the necessity for traditional wired links. This capability not only streamlines the educational process but also amplifies the robot’s functionalities. Featuring 17 degrees of freedom, Aelos executes a broad spectrum of movements. Its dual-camera setup and dual computing mechanisms, powered by the STM32 microcontroller and the RK3568 processor, ensure superior performance and adaptability.

    Support for Multiple Programming Languages

    Aelos offers support for an assortment of programming languages, catering to a diverse user base from K12 education to higher learning institutions. These languages encompass graphical programming, C/C++, and JS/ArkTS. Leveraging the open-source HarmonyOS platform delivers a multitude of benefits compared to closed systems. HarmonyOS is renowned for its heightened security, dependability, efficiency, customization options, and adaptiveness, making it the optimal choice for empowering Aelos.

    Pioneering the Humanoid Robotics Landscape

    The debut of Aelos is poised to transform the humanoid robotics sector. Its robust capabilities, coupled with the open-source architecture of HarmonyOS, are set to hasten innovations and advancements within the realm of humanoid robotics. This collaborative venture between Shenzhen Kaihong Technology and Leju Robot signifies a momentous stride towards the evolution of smart robotics.

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