Watch: Sneaker-Clad Humanoid Outpaces Barefoot Rival in Gobi Race

A few months ago, China’s Robot Era showcased the walking abilities of its XBot-L humanoid by letting it roam the Great Wall. Now, the company has shared video of two Star1 models racing across the Gobi Desert.

Robot Era, a newcomer to the humanoid robot industry since its incubation at Tsinghua University in August 2023, already boasts several humanoid robots. The company has developed a highly dexterous human-like hand and has quickly gained a knack for showcasing its innovations through engaging promo videos.

Star1 Bots Race Across the Gobi

The recently released footage, filmed late last month, showcases two of the company’s latest flagship humanoid robots, Star1. The two bots race each other over rocky terrain, grassy stretches, and winding roads in the Gobi Desert. One goes “barefoot,” while the other sports a stylish pair of sneakers.

Unfortunately, not much is known about the flagship running robot, but it stands 1.71 m (5.6 ft) tall and weighs 65 kg (143 lb). Its unique running style keeps its body upright while its legs extend forward in a manner that would likely get approval from the Ministry of Silly Walks.

According to the company, the sneaker-wearing humanoid started the race behind but soon overtook its opponent, reaching a speed of 3.6 meters per second (8 mph) for 34 minutes.

Advanced Motors and AI Power Star1 Bots Across Challenging Terrain

Both robots are powered by proprietary 400-Nm (295 lb.ft) motors, featuring precision planetary reducers, high-precision encoders, and drivers. They also have high-speed communication modules and AI computing capabilities of up to 275 TOPS to help navigate and adapt to different terrains.

Robot Era claims this test run “will pave the way for its robots to be used in various scenarios,” aligning with its goal of introducing AI-powered general-purpose humanoids into homes and workplaces.

The competition to break into what is predicted to be a highly profitable market is intensifying, with the Star1 joining a growing list of contenders, including Tesla, Figure, Unitree, and Fourier, among others.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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