In an impressive display of technological prowess, Unitree, a leading robotics company from China, has once again captured the world’s attention by achieving a remarkable feat with its H1 humanoid robot. Following its recent accomplishment of setting a new world speed record for humanoid robots, Unitree’s H1 has now performed a standing backflip without relying on hydraulics, a first in the realm of robotics.
Unlike its predecessors, such as the widely recognized Boston Dynamics’ Atlas robot which utilizes hydraulics for its acrobatic maneuvers, Unitree’s H1 achieves this athletic feat through purely electric power. The H1 robot is powered by Unitree’s in-house M107 electric joint motors, boasting a peak torque of 360 Nm (265.5 lb.ft). This impressive capability is not just limited to the H1 but is also featured in the company’s B2 quadruped robot.
The H1’s design allows for a high degree of mobility, with three degrees of freedom at the hip, one at the knee, and another at the ankle, all while keeping the wiring internal to maintain sleek, snag-free aesthetics. To master the intricate dynamics of a backflip, Unitree employed reinforcement learning simulation, a method that enables the robot to learn and refine its actions through trial and error within a virtual environment. Despite a minor corrective jump needed at the landing, the H1’s performance is a testament to the advanced engineering and programming that back Unitree’s ambitions.
While executing a backflip might seem more like a party trick than a practical application, this achievement signifies the H1’s advanced control systems and physical capabilities, which have far-reaching implications beyond entertainment. The H1 has demonstrated a range of abilities including speed-walking, stair climbing, standing jumps, and even dancing, showcasing its versatility and potential for various applications.
As a newcomer in the field of humanoid robotics, the H1 stands tall at 1.8 meters (71 inches) and weighs 47 kg (104 lbs), with the capacity to carry up to 30 kg (66 lbs) of payload. Although its arms currently lack the sophistication of human-like hands, Unitree is actively developing enhancements to increase its functionality.
The commercial prospects for the H1 are already drawing attention, with an estimated price tag of US$90,000. However, it might be up to a decade before it becomes widely available in the market. In terms of performance, Unitree has set ambitious goals, projecting a top speed of 5 meters per second (11 mph) for general use, a significant leap from its current record of 3.3 meters per second (7.4 mph).
Equipped with a head-mounted sensor array, including 3D LiDAR and an Intel RealSense depth camera, the H1 is designed to navigate and interact with its environment effectively. Although the project is still in its early stages, the H1 is powered by a replaceable 864-Wh battery, highlighting Unitree’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in robotics.
Unitree’s H1 robot represents a significant step forward in the development of humanoid robots, blending the boundaries between human agility and robotic precision. As the company continues to push the limits of what’s possible, the H1 stands as a remarkable example of the future of robotics—a future where robots could seamlessly integrate into various aspects of human life, from industrial applications to entertainment and beyond.
Source: Unitree
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