Have you ever aspired to own a robot companion capable of walking, talking, and fulfilling various tasks at your command? Well, you might be on the brink of realizing that dream. A Chinese robotics company has introduced what is currently hailed as the “world’s most powerful general-purpose humanoid robot.”
What sets this robot apart?
Named H1, this robot is a remarkable achievement in engineering and innovation. The force behind H1 is Unitree Robotics, a prominent developer of legged robots situated in Hangzhou, China.
Unitree aims to make legged robots as widespread and affordable as smartphones and drones. The company has gained recognition for its Go2 quadruped robot, showcasing abilities like running, jumping, and stair climbing.
The specifications of the H1 robot
H1 represents a different class of robot. As a bipedal creation, it stands at a height of 5 feet 11 inches and weighs 100 pounds. Equipped with an advanced powertrain, it delivers superior levels of speed, power, manoeuvrability, and flexibility.
Walking at a human-like speed of approximately 3.4 mph, H1 can endure kicks and pushes without compromising its balance.
Featuring a 3D LiDAR sensor and a depth camera for vision, the robot accurately perceives its surroundings and navigates obstacles.
What are the limitations of this robot?
H1 is not merely a prototype; it is a fully functional robot capable of tasks such as object carrying, door opening, and even dancing. Communication with humans is facilitated through speech and gestures.
Designed to be adaptable and customizable, the robot incorporates modular components for easy replacement or upgrade. The addition of hands is in the pipeline, promising expanded capabilities.
What is the cost of the robot?
H1 comes with a hefty price tag of around $150,000. While this may seem substantial, it is relatively reasonable compared to other humanoid robots like Boston Dynamics’ Atlas, which commands a price of around $1 million. Unitree asserts that H1 is the most cost-effective humanoid robot globally and expresses the intention to reduce the price in the future.
What are the limitations of this robot?
H1 transcends being a mere prototype; it stands as a fully operational robot proficient in a diverse array of tasks, including object carrying, door opening, and even dancing. Its ability to interact with humans extends to speech and gestures.
The robot is conceived to be adaptable and customizable, featuring modular components that allow for seamless replacement or upgrade. The company has intentions to incorporate hands into the robot, further amplifying its capabilities.
When can consumers acquire these robots?
Although H1 is not currently available for purchase, pre-orders can be placed on Unitree’s website. While an official release date has not been disclosed, speculation hints at a potential launch as early as 2024. Unitree emphasizes ongoing efforts to enhance and prepare the robot for mass production.
