<h1 id="isPasted">Unitree Introducing | Unitree R1 Intelligent Companion Price from $5900</h1>Join us to develop/customize, ultra-lightweight at approximately 25kg, integrated with a Large Multimodal Model for voice and images, let's accelerate the advent of the agent era!

Join us to develop/customize, ultra-lightweight at approximately 25kg, integrated with a Large Multimodal Model for voice and images, let's accelerate the advent of the agent era!

Unitree Introducing Unitree R1 Intelligent Companion Price from 5900 dollar

There’s been a lot of buzz over bipedal robots in recent years.Companies like Boston Dynamics, Agility Robotics, Unitree and others have developed powerful algorithms and leading edge hardware to make what was once science fiction a reality. There are now an increasing number of walking (and sometimes talking) upright robots that get around on two legs. These tend to be humanoids, but they are bipedal.There’s a certain cool factor to seeing robots that walk like people. But the push for bipedal robots is also driven by infrastructure: Factories and other settings where such devices might be deployed have been built for people. So robots that can walk and are roughly human size can work in such spaces without infrastructure changes.“With the automobile, we had to build roads,” said Jonathan Hurst, Chief Technology Officer of Agility Robotics, in an explanatory video. “With legged robots we’ve already built the infrastructure. Legged robots are going to change the world as much as the automobile did.”As the saying goes, time will tell. But before we proceed, it’s worth mentioning that bipedal doesn’t necessarily mean humanoid.“A humanoid typically mimics the human form – so it has a head, torso, arms and legs,” explains Luke Corbeth, InDro’s Head of R&amp;D Sales.“Bipedal simply means it walks on two legs, but it doesn’t need to look human. So while most humanoids are bipedal, not all bipedal robots are humanoids.”Below: Agility’s Cassie – a bipedal, non-humanoid robot. Immense R&amp;D went into developing this machine, with many of the lessons learned applied to its current Digit humanoid<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DdojWYOK0Nc??si=WL0wpUwIkrD8hMN2&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0&amp;enablejsapi=1&amp;origin=https://www.wevolver.com" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe><h3 id="isPasted">The Bipedal-Humanoid Connection</h3>As the video illustrated, bipedal robots aren’t necessarily humanoid (though they can be). But since the non-humanoid versions don’t have arms or manipulators, what are the use-cases?First off, they’re critical tools in the R&amp;D space. Before any company attempts a full-blown humanoid, it needs to perfect locomotion, balance and gait. That, of course, requires intensive hardware and software development. Many in the research space don’t have the time or resources to build from scratch. By starting with an existing bipedal robot they can rapidly start working on improving algorithms, adding autonomy stacks, machine vision, etc.“Achieving stable and efficient bipedal locomotion is really the first critical milestone – so it involves doing things like balancing the gait, being very energy efficient and knowing how to recover from various disturbances,” says Corbeth. “But once that’s dialed in, you can build advanced capabilities on top of it, things like manipulation or autonomous navigation. So starting with a bipedal platform can help clients achieve their ultimate goals much sooner”Not surprisingly, clients for bipedal, non-humanoid platforms are often in the R&amp;D space.“For anyone specifically researching bipedal locomotion, these devices make sense,” he adds. “It allows them to really focus on research and control, computer vision and AI applications. It’s an accessible platform for labs to really accelerate their work on humanoids.”In other words, perfecting a bipedal platform is critical in the development of full humanoid robots.&nbsp;<h3>Rise of the Humanoids</h3>We recently took a dive into humanoids <a href="https://indrorobotics.ca/the-rise-of-the-humanoid-robots/" target="_blank">here</a>.To recap briefly, humanoids are on the rise because their form factor allows them to integrate with existing infrastructure. With arms and manipulators/end effectors, they can carry out many of the tasks that humans perform. Bipedal design means they can climb stairs or navigate other obstacles. Even humanoids with wheels or tracks can now carry out these manoeuvres.“Humanoid robots have become one of the most frontier topics in the field of robot research [<a href="https://ietresearch.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1049/cim2.12080#cim212080-bib-0001" data-tab="pane-pcw-references" target="_blank">1</a>],” states <a href="https://ietresearch.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1049/cim2.12080" target="_blank">this research paper</a>. “Owing to the human-like structures and strong environmental adaptability [<a href="https://ietresearch.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1049/cim2.12080#cim212080-bib-0002" data-tab="pane-pcw-references" target="_blank">2</a>], biped robots can directly operate the tools and vehicles used by humans, showing wide application prospects in fields such as home service, industrial manufacturing and environmental detection [<a href="https://ietresearch.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1049/cim2.12080#cim212080-bib-0003" data-tab="pane-pcw-references" target="_blank">3</a>]…Ongoing research…shows great potential in human–robot collaboration and autonomous operation [<a href="https://ietresearch.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1049/cim2.12080#cim212080-bib-0006" data-tab="pane-pcw-references" target="_blank">6</a>].”Many of the tasks bipedal robots will eventually carry out aren’t even fully known yet, as these new commercial products are very much – despite some really impressive machines – in the early stages of adoption and deployment. It’s a safe bet that every company currently selling bipedal or humanoid robots is hard at work in the lab on the next generation. There’s a lot of development in the pipeline.“Better battery life is kind of on everyone’s wishlist – the runtime of a humanoid or bipedal robot simply isn’t as long as some of the traditional wheeled or track systems. There are also other things like faster and safer locomotion and, of course, dexterous hands,” says Corbeth.We hit up AI for some thoughts on where these machines are going. It concurs that the full benefits of bipedal robots have yet to be realised.“While bipedal robots offer unique advantages, it’s worth noting that they are still under development, and their efficiency and practicality in certain applications are still being evaluated.&nbsp;For example, wheeled robots might be more energy-efficient for certain tasks on flat surfaces.&nbsp;However, for navigating complex, unstructured environments and interacting with human-scale tools and spaces, bipedal robots offer a promising solution.”In addition to humanoids, InDro now offers a strictly bipedal, non-humanoid platform primarily for R&amp;D. As with most platforms, our engineers are currently working on expanding its capabilities to enable it more fully for R&amp;D and industrial clients. We will soon be integrating <a href="https://indrorobotics.ca/the-new-indro-command-module-amazing-power-in-a-tiny-package/" target="_blank">InDro Cortex</a>, a brain-box that enables everything from remote teleoperation and sensor integration to fully autonomous and/or easily programmable missions.“We’re looking to add our Cortex solution – the hardware and the software and the autonomy – to our humanoids and bipedal robots,” says Corbeth. “We see opportunities to integrate advanced autonomy, teleoperation and perception pipelines into this equipment…making them a turnkey solution for advanced humanoid development and real-world testing.”Below: A great video explanation of the bipedal advantage, followed by the bipedal robot InDro now has available<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mHmmySGdaoM??si=_YUtIonJpOBhBYy3&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0&amp;enablejsapi=1&amp;origin=https://www.wevolver.com" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true">&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1752856176771-Biped+6.jpg" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Biped Robot"><h3 id="isPasted">InDro's Take</h3>Bipedal robots are the precursor to full-blown humanoids. Not only does the humanoid form factor work well in existing infrastructure, they’re seen by many as the ideal collaborative robots, or co-bots. People seem more at ease with something that looks vaguely human (with the notable exception of Terminator’s T800).“The human form factor is just intuitive for people to interact with – and the similar size helps them use human tools and really fit in well in workspaces,” says Corbeth. “Some may argue as well they also kind of build trust, which is crucial for collaborative robots operating around or with people.”And for those in the R&amp;D space looking for a bipedal-only platform, we’ve got you covered.We look forward to sharing more about our bipedal and humanoid robots in future, particularly once we’ve supercharged them with InDro Cortex. If you’re curious to learn more, <a href="https://indrorobotics.ca/thebiped/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">checkout the biped platform here</a>.

Exploring the Impact of Advanced Bipedal Robotics

Bipedal Robots Step Into The Scene

<h1 id="isPasted">Unitree G1 mass production version, leap into the future!</h1>Over the past few months, Unitree G1 robot has been upgraded into a mass production version, with stronger performance, ultimate appearance, and being more in line with mass production requirements. We hope you like it.

Over the past few months, Unitree G1 robot has been upgraded into a mass production version, with stronger performance, ultimate appearance, and being more in line with mass production requirements. We hope you like it.

Unitree G1 mass production version, leap into the future!

In order to advance the convenience of data collection for humanoid robots, we refer to other solutions to do the adaptation development and open source.Github：<a tabindex="0" href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGEtVm9yOHhmdlZEVFpnUTNSUEdLdzJCZG9XUXxBQ3Jtc0tsTmEweUk5aWQ4LWFvVTRQcGdUb182R2F2dFM3cENCb1lUREJSbnhwTlgwN2ptR1pSRlAwakxBM284QWZYc01JTWhYektEYUZ3ZGhXenlEbVAwWkgtXzN6c1QybV9xNkNlS2tfS3JqbzhjYWJ2UGtDVQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fgithub.com%2Funitreerobotics%2Favp_teleoperate&v=pNjr2f_XHoo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" data-immersive-translate-walked="d184844b-18ce-4d8f-9392-ad8f851f3836">https://github.com/unitreerobotics/av...</a>Kinect：<a tabindex="0" href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa25pczNWM3NDT2RoaXpVb3o3MWFfVTBtS2lnUXxBQ3Jtc0trN0JLVlg5ZVRxZXdpcUhPXzFkTzZXNlp4SEtkTms2aTRCZUZhc2o5cGVONzFNdHVRemd5SUFDSVhWUlgwbzlXaTlwVDF3c1p0SE5nQXBnYy1hd3NuamxlYzM1TW1NSGdVMThjXzIxZlRKeEF3cXJUNA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fgithub.com%2Funitreerobotics%2Fkinect_teleoperate&v=pNjr2f_XHoo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" data-immersive-translate-walked="d184844b-18ce-4d8f-9392-ad8f851f3836">https://github.com/unitreerobotics/ki...</a> Official Website: www.unitree.com&nbsp;Twitter: twitter.com/UnitreeRobotics&nbsp;LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/unitreerobotics

In order to advance the convenience of data collection for humanoid robots, we refer to other solutions to do the adaptation development and open source.

Open Source Unitree First View Teleoperation for Humanoid Robots

<h1 data-immersive-translate-walked="96540da1-b11f-43db-91ca-401597307f25" id="isPasted">Unitree Go2 New Upgrade</h1>The evolution of intelligent robots is full of surprises and exciting moments every day. Let's have fun together. 🥳🥳🥳Official Website: www.unitree.com&nbsp;Twitter: twitter.com/UnitreeRobotics&nbsp;Youtube: @unitreerobotics &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/unitreerobotics

The evolution of intelligent robots is full of surprises and exciting moments every day.
Let's have fun together.

Unitree Go2 New Upgrade

<h1 id="isPasted">Unitree Combat Competition Highlights May 25, 2025</h1>A historic moment in human history: The first-ever humanoid robot combat competition(Livestream)

A historic moment in human history: The first-ever humanoid robot combat competition(Livestream)

Unitree Combat Competition Highlights May 25, 2025

This is Part 3 of a four-part series. See Part 1: <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/mastering-multitasking-exploring-the-distributed-processing-capabilities-of-tdks-advanced-robotics" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mastering Multitasking: Exploring the Distributed Processing Capabilities of TDKs Advanced Robotics</a> and Part 2: <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/sensing-the-world-how-tdks-multi-sensor-fusion-improves-perception-in-industrial-and-service-robots" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sensing the World: How TDK’s Multi-Sensor Fusion Improves Perception in Industrial and Service Robots. </a><h2>Introduction</h2>Humanoid robotics have seen remarkable growth in recent years, with applications expanding across healthcare, home assistance, and industrial sectors. The global market for humanoid robots is expected to grow from USD $2.03 billion in 2024 to USD 13.25 billion by 2030.[1] However, this growth has been accompanied by significant challenges, notably in motion control and stability. The key to addressing these issues is the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), an important component for replicating human-like movements in humanoid robots. IMUs track orientation, acceleration, and movement, so that humanoid robots can replicate human-like movements effectively.  TDK Corporation, a leader in electronic components and systems, has developed a unique MEMS-based 6-axis IMU technology that is transforming motion control in humanoid robotics. This advanced IMU integrates accelerometer and gyroscope data to provide real-time motion tracking, which enables precise limb control, dynamic stability, and fall detection in humanoid robots.[2]By combining high-precision sensors with sophisticated algorithms, TDK’s 6-axis IMU sets a new standard for motion control in the field of service robotics.<h2>The Need for Precision in Humanoid Robots</h2>Humanoid robots face unique motion challenges that require exacting solutions:<ul><li>Balance and Stability — Robots working in unpredictable environments near humans must stay upright on uneven terrain.</li><li>Real-Time Motion Tracking — Robots need instant data processing and coordination to move naturally and respond to external stimuli.</li><li>Fall Detection and Recovery — Preventing and recovering from falls is critical for safe operation, especially in spaces designed for humans.</li></ul>Traditional motion sensors often struggle to keep up, and basic IMUs often fail to compensate for sudden disturbances. This leads to small errors that add up over time. Additionally, although optical and LiDAR-based systems are extremely accurate, they are computationally demanding and can introduce delays, which makes them less ideal for fast, responsive movement.[3]The limitations of conventional sensors show that there is a need for more advanced solutions in humanoid robotics. TDK’s 6-axis IMU addresses these shortcomings by providing high-precision, low-latency motion data. This responsive IMU helps humanoid robots move with greater agility and stability, bringing them a step closer to human-like motion. <h2>How TDK’s 6-Axis IMU Solves These Challenges</h2><h3>Advanced Motion Tracking Through Sensor Fusion</h3>TDK’s 6-axis IMU combines accelerometers and gyroscopes to gather precise motion data. The working mechanism involves these components:<ul><li>Accelerometers measure linear acceleration in three axes.</li><li>Gyroscopes detect angular velocity around three axes.</li><li>Sensor fusion algorithms integrate both of these data streams to predict movement with accuracy.</li></ul>Quantified performance indicators for TDK’s ICM-42688-P IMU:<ul><li>TDK’s ICM-42688-P IMU achieves a 40% lower noise figure compared to traditional consumer-grade IMUs.</li><li>Temperature stability is improved by 2x, keeping data accurate across environmental conditions.</li><li>The device features a high-resolution analog-to-digital converter that provides an 8x increase in gyroscope resolution and a 4x increase in accelerometer resolution.</li><li>Rapid data processing and a 100% accurate clock eliminate timing errors for near-instantaneous motion tracking.[4]</li></ul>This fusion technology has several benefits:<ul><li>Drift Compensation — Advanced algorithms correct sensor drift, which keeps data accurate long term.</li><li>Kalman Filtering — This technique refines and enhances motion estimates by combining sensor data with predictive models.</li><li>Ultra-Low Latency — The rapid data processing results in near-instantaneous motion tracking.[5]</li><li>AI-Powered Motion Predictions — IMU data can be used for AI/ML predictive models for more human-like movement.  </li></ul><h3>Enhancing Dynamic Stability in Humanoid Robots</h3>Dynamic stability is critical for humanoid robots, and TDK’s ICM-42688-P IMU helps maintain this with:<ul><li>Real-Time Posture Correction — The IMU detects imbalances and triggers adjustments to the robot’s stance. It reaches a heading accuracy of ≤10° per hour and operates at a data rate of up to 1000 Hz, enabling fast detection and correction of imbalances. </li><li>Adaptive Gait Optimization — The IMU’s high-frequency (up to 1000 Hz) keeps the robot walking smoothly on uneven terrain by continuous adjustment of leg movements.</li><li>Multi-Sensor Integration — IMU data is fused with force sensor feedback and geometric models using Extended Kalman Filters (EKF). This fusion reduces contact force estimation errors to within 5 N·m and maintains balance stability above 95% in dynamic environments. When IMU and force sensor data are combined, interference errors are reduced by about 20%, and overall pose estimation accuracy improves by up to 30%</li></ul><h3>Fall Detection and Recovery</h3>Safety is a priority in robotics, especially in assistive applications. The 6-axis IMU helps prevent falls by:<ul><li>Detecting sudden acceleration changes that might signal a potential fall.</li><li>Analyzing body tilt and weight shifts to predict instability.</li><li>Triggering corrective actions before impact, reducing the risk of falls.</li></ul>These capabilities make TDK’s IMU valuable in applications like assistive robotics, where fall prevention is required for user safety.[6]<h2>Real-World Applications of TDK’s 6-Axis IMU</h2><h3>Assistive Robotics in Healthcare</h3>TDK’s IMU technology finds significant applications in healthcare robotics:<ul><li>Exoskeletons for Rehabilitation — Helps impaired patients regain movement with precise motion control and balance support.</li><li>Elderly Support Robots — Improves stability for home care robotic assistants by providing safe navigation and facilitating interaction in domestic environments. [7]</li></ul><h3>Home Service Robots</h3>The 6-axis IMU also has applications in domestic settings, where there are opportunities to improve robotic efficiency:<ul><li>Autonomous Navigation — Enables smooth movement for cleaning, delivery, and household assistance.</li><li>Precision in Object Handling — Provides stability and control for AI-powered robotic arms, which allows for safe handling of household items.</li></ul><h3>Industrial and Inspection Robotics: ANYbotics Case Study</h3>TDK Ventures has partnered with ANYbotics, a leader in autonomous industrial inspection robots. Their ANYmal robot integrates TDK’s IMU technology to enhance performance in:<ul><li>Harsh Environments — Enables stable movement on uneven surfaces and improves obstacle avoidance in industrial settings. The IMU ensures that the robot maintains balance even in hazardous areas such as offshore platforms, underground tunnels, and power plants.</li><li>Factory Automation — Supports self-balancing robotic arms for precise manufacturing tasks, increasing efficiency in automated production lines. The IMU's real-time motion tracking allows robots to detect micro-vibrations and adjust accordingly, reducing errors in delicate assembly processes.[8]</li></ul>ANYmal’s ability to navigate complex environments with high stability demonstrates how TDK’s IMU complements robotic autonomy. By improving movement precision and safety, this technology provides industries with a way to reduce human risk exposure while maintaining high operational efficiency.<h2>TDK’s Competitive Edge in IMU Technology</h2><h3>TDK's 6-axis IMU has several advantages that make it stand out from conventional IMUs:</h3><ul><li>High Precision — Delivers more accurate motion data with minimal drift.</li><li>Robust Noise Filtering — Maintains clean data even in noisy environments.</li><li>Compact Design — MEMS-based miniaturization helps keep robot designs lightweight and power-efficient.[9]</li></ul>TDK’s MEMS-based IMU is unique because it can provide micro-scale motion tracking with high precision, which is key to replicating human-like movements in robots. The compact size of the technology also makes way for the development of more agile and energy-efficient robotic systems.Looking ahead, TDK is exploring AI and machine learning integration:<ul><li>AI-powered motion predictions can refine IMU tracking for even greater accuracy.</li><li>Adaptive learning algorithms could enable humanoid robots to improve movement by learning about the environment over time.</li></ul><h2>Conclusion</h2>TDK’s 6-axis IMU is positioned to shape the future of humanoid robotics with industry-leading precision, robust noise filtering, and ultra-compact MEMS design. Devices like the ICM-42688-P offer precise, real-time motion data and unparalleled performance metrics that enable more stable, agile, and safe robotic systems. These advancements position TDK at the forefront of robotic motion tracking for replicating human-like movement.As TDK continues to innovate in MEMS-based IMU technology, we can anticipate even more advanced and capable robotic systems in years to come. Learn more about TDK’s innovative advancements at <a href="https://www.tdk.com/en/index.html">https://www.tdk.com/en/index.html</a>.<hr /><h3>Reference</h3>[1] Markets and Markets. “Humanoid Robot Market Size, Share &amp; Growth”. Accessed from <a href="https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/humanoid-robot-market-99567653.html" id="isPasted">https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/humanoid-robot-market-99567653.html</a>[2] TDK IMU Product Page. Accessed from <a href="https://product.tdk.com/en/products/sensor/mortion-inertial/imu/index.html" id="isPasted">https://product.tdk.com/en/products/sensor/mortion-inertial/imu/index.html</a> [3] Ohidul Islam. “Challenges in Humanoid Robotics and How to Overcome Them”. Accessed from <a href="https://robozaps.com/challenges-in-humanoid-robotics/" id="isPasted">https://robozaps.com/challenges-in-humanoid-robotics/</a> [4] Shannon Davis. “TDK Launches High-Performance 6-axis IMU with Industry-Leading Motion Sensor Performance”. Semiconductor Digest. Accessed from <a href="https://www.semiconductor-digest.com/tdk-launches-high-performance-6-axis-imu-with-industry-leading-motion-sensor-performance/" id="isPasted">https://www.semiconductor-digest.com/tdk-launches-high-performance-6-axis-imu-with-industry-leading-motion-sensor-performance/</a> [5] TDK IMU Product Page.[6] “TDK launches high-performance 6-axis IMU with industry-leading motion sensor performance for IoT, robotics, AR/VR and wearable applications”. Industry EMA. Accessed from <a href="https://www.industryemea.com/news/27191-tdk-launches-high-performance-6-axis-imu-with-industry-leading-motion-sensor-performance-for-iot,-robotics,-ar-vr-and-wearable-applications" id="isPasted">https://www.industryemea.com/news/27191-tdk-launches-high-performance-6-axis-imu-with-industry-leading-motion-sensor-performance-for-iot,-robotics,-ar-vr-and-wearable-applications</a> [7] Rika Melissa. “Service Robot Market: Trends, Growth, and Future Outlook” (22 May 2024). Sateton. Accessd from <a href="https://statzon.com/insights/humanoid-helpers-and-beyond-service-robot-market-expansion" id="isPasted">https://statzon.com/insights/humanoid-helpers-and-beyond-service-robot-market-expansion</a>[8] “TDK Ventures Invests in ANYbotics, a World Leader in Industrial Inspection Autonomous Robots” (11 Dec. 2024). Accessed from <a href="https://tdk-ventures.com/news/announcements/tdk-ventures-invests-in-anybotics-a-world-leader-in-industrial-inspection-autonomous-robots/" id="isPasted">https://tdk-ventures.com/news/announcements/tdk-ventures-invests-in-anybotics-a-world-leader-in-industrial-inspection-autonomous-robots/</a>[9] TDK IMU Product Page.

Photo by Possessed Photography on Unsplash

By combining high-precision sensors with sophisticated algorithms, TDK's 6-axis IMU sets a new standard for motion control in the field of service robotics.

Innovation in Motion: How TDK's 6-Axis IMU Enables Precise Movement in Humanoid Robots

MIT engineers are getting in on the robotic ping pong game with a powerful, lightweight design that returns shots with high-speed precision.The new table tennis bot comprises a multijointed robotic arm that is fixed to one end of a ping pong table and wields a standard ping pong paddle. Aided by several high-speed cameras and a high-bandwidth predictive control system, the robot quickly estimates the speed and trajectory of an incoming ball and executes one of several swing types — loop, drive, or chop — to precisely hit the ball to a desired location on the table with various types of spin.In tests, the engineers threw 150 balls at the robot, one after the other, from across the ping pong table. The bot successfully returned the balls with a hit rate of about 88 percent across all three swing types. The robot’s strike speed approaches the top return speeds of human players and is faster than that of other robotic table tennis designs.<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FqyKfi_myLM?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;enablejsapi=1&amp;origin=https://www.wevolver.com" frameborder="0" class="fr-draggable"></iframe>Now, the team is looking to increase the robot’s playing radius so that it can return a wider variety of shots. Then, they envision the setup could be a viable competitor in the growing field of smart robotic training systems.Beyond the game, the team says the table tennis tech could be adapted to improve the speed and responsiveness of humanoid robots, particularly for search-and-rescue scenarios, and situations in a which a robot would need to quickly react or anticipate.“The problems that we’re solving, specifically related to intercepting objects really quickly and precisely, could potentially be useful in scenarios where a robot has to carry out dynamic maneuvers and plan where its end effector will meet an object, in real-time,” says MIT graduate student David Nguyen.Nguyen is a co-author of the new study, along with MIT graduate student Kendrick Cancio and Sangbae Kim, associate professor of mechanical engineering and head of the <a href="https://biomimetics.mit.edu/" target="_blank">MIT Biomimetics Robotics Lab</a>. The researchers will present the results of those experiments in a <a href="https://www.arxiv.org/pdf/2505.01617" target="_blank">paper</a> at the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) this month.<h2>Precise play</h2>Building robots to play ping pong is a challenge that researchers have taken up since the 1980s. The problem requires a unique combination of technologies, including high-speed machine vision, fast and nimble motors and actuators, precise manipulator control, and accurate, real-time prediction, as well as higher-level planning of game strategy.“If you think of the spectrum of control problems in robotics, we have on one end manipulation, which is usually slow and very precise, such as picking up an object and making sure you’re grasping it well. On the other end, you have locomotion, which is about being dynamic and adapting to perturbations in your system,” Nguyen explains. “Ping pong sits in between those. You’re still doing manipulation, in that you have to be precise in hitting the ball, but you have to hit it within 300 milliseconds. So, it balances similar problems of dynamic locomotion and precise manipulation.”Ping pong robots have come a long way since the 1980s, most recently with designs by Omron and Google DeepMind that employ artificial intelligence techniques to “learn” from previous ping pong data, to improve a robot’s performance against an increasing variety of strokes and shots. These designs have been shown to be fast and precise enough to rally with intermediate human players.“These are really specialized robots designed to play ping pong,” Cancio says. “With our robot, we are exploring how the techniques used in playing ping pong could translate to a more generalized system, like a humanoid or anthropomorphic robot that can do many different, useful things.”<h2>Game control</h2>For their new design, the researchers modified a lightweight, high-power robotic arm that Kim’s lab developed as part of the MIT Humanoid — a bipedal, two-armed robot that is about the size of a small child. The group is using the robot to test various dynamic maneuvers, including navigating uneven and varying terrain as well as jumping, running, and doing backflips, with the aim of one day deploying such robots for search-and-rescue operations.Each of the humanoid’s arms has four joints, or degrees of freedom, which are each controlled by an electrical motor. Cancio, Nguyen, and Kim built a similar robotic arm, which they adapted for ping pong by adding an additional degree of freedom in the wrist to allow for control of a paddle.The team fixed the robotic arm to a table at one end of a standard ping pong table and set up high-speed motion capture cameras around the table to track balls that are bounced at the robot. They also developed optimal control algorithms that predict, based on the principles of math and physics, what speed and paddle orientation the arm should execute to hit an incoming ball with a particular type of swing: loop (or topspin), drive (straight-on), or chop (backspin).<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1747231279859-MIT-PingPongRobot-03-press.jpg" style="width:100%px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" />The team fixed the robotic arm to a table at one end of a standard ping pong table and set up high-speed motion capture cameras around the table to track balls that are bounced at the robot. Here, it performs a back spin. Credit: Courtesy of the researchersThey implemented the algorithms using three computers that simultaneously processed camera images, estimated a ball’s real-time state, and translated these estimations to commands for the robot’s motors to quickly react and take a swing.After consecutively bouncing 150 balls at the arm, they found the robot’s hit rate, or accuracy of returning the ball, was about the same for all three types of swings: 88.4 percent for loop strikes, 89.2 percent for chops, and 87.5 percent for drives. They have since tuned the robot’s reaction time and found the arm hits balls faster than existing systems, at velocities of 20 meters per second.In their paper, the team reports that the robot’s strike speed, or the speed at which the paddle hits the ball, is on average 11 meters per second. Advanced human players have been known to return balls at speeds of between 21 to 25 meters second. Since writing up the results of their initial experiments, the researchers have further tweaked the system, and have recorded strike speeds of up to 19 meters per second (about 42 miles per hour).“Some of the goal of this project is to say we can reach the same level of athleticism that people have,” Nguyen says. “And in terms of strike speed, we’re getting really, really close.”Their follow-up work has also enabled the robot to aim. The team incorporated control algorithms into the system that predict not only how but where to hit an incoming ball. With its latest iteration, the researchers can set a target location on the table, and the robot will hit a ball to that same location.Because it is fixed to the table, the robot has limited mobility and reach, and can mostly return balls that arrive within a crescent-shaped area around the midline of the table. In the future, the engineers plan to rig the bot on a gantry or wheeled platform, enabling it to cover more of the table and return a wider variety of shots.“A big thing about table tennis is predicting the spin and trajectory of the ball, given how your opponent hit it, which is information that an automatic ball launcher won’t give you,” Cancio says. “A robot like this could mimic the maneuvers that an opponent would do in a game environment, in a way that helps humans play and improve.”This research is supported, in part, by the Robotics and AI Institute.

Time lapse photos show a new ping-pong-playing robot performing a top spin. The robot quickly estimates the speed and trajectory of an incoming ball and precisely hits it to a desired location on the table. Credit: Courtesy of the researchers

In addition to training future players, the technology could expand the capabilities of other humanoid robots, such as for search and rescue.

Ping pong bot returns shots with high-speed precision

The hospitality industry can leverage the gender characteristics of service robots to influence customers’ decisions, according to new research from a team in the <a href="https://hhd.psu.edu/shm" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Penn State School of Hospitality Management</a>.Service robots with characteristics typically associated with males may be more persuasive when interacting with women who have a low sense of power, according to the researchers. The team also found that “cute” features in the design of robots — such as big eyes and raised cheeks — may reduce the effect of portrayed robot gender on persuasiveness, as male and female customers responded similarly to robots with these “cute” features.<a href="https://hhd.psu.edu/contact/lavi-peng" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Lavi Peng</a>, doctoral candidate; <a href="https://hhd.psu.edu/contact/anna-mattila" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Anna Mattila</a>, Marriott Professor of Lodging Management; and <a href="https://hhd.psu.edu/contact/amit-sharma" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Amit Sharma</a>, Edward Friedman and Stuart Mann Professor of Hospitality Management — all at Penn State — led this research. Their findings were published in the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhtm.2025.01.019" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management</a>.“Robots can be designed or programed to have human-like features like names, voices and body shapes, which portray gender,” Mattila said. “In addition to robot gender, a consumer’s sense of power — how individuals perceive their ability to influence others or their environment — can also affect how successful a service robot can be in making recommendations.”The researchers conducted two studies to find how the gender portrayed in service robots could influence customers’ decisions.The first study surveyed 239 people who were recruited via Amazon Mechanical Turk. Participants were asked to first rate their sense of power before imagining visiting a new restaurant and receiving a menu recommendation for a breakfast burrito from a service robot. Service robots depicted in the study were the same except for the use of gray or pink colors to portray male or female genders, respectively. After receiving a menu recommendation, participants then rated the robot’s persuasiveness.“We found women with a low sense of power were more prone to accept a male robot’s recommendations,” Peng said. “For men with a low sense of power, we found the difference was less obvious. Based on our findings, consumers with high power tend to make their own judgement without relying on societal expectations. They are more confident and want to make decisions based off their own judgement.”The researchers said restaurants could leverage these findings when deciding what types of service robots to use, such as using “male” robots to recommend new menu items, as the results suggested robots with characteristics typically associated with males can have a greater influence on customer decisions.Hotels could also leverage these findings when deciding which gender characteristics to use in robots that persuade customers to upgrade their rooms, according to the researchers.“Upselling and upgrading are all about persuasion, and results of our study suggested robots with male characteristics could be effective,” Peng said. “If a business knows its customer is female, it may want to consider using a robot with different gender characteristics than it would with a male customer.”The second study investigated how businesses could mitigate gender stereotypes in robot design — or lessen the effect of a “male” robot’s influence on customers with a low sense of power.Because the findings in the first study showed that portrayed gender in robots primarily affected customers with a low sense of power, the researchers recruited 156 university students in the United States. The researchers said <a href="https://doi.org/10.1037/14344-016" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">prior research</a> demonstrated that students typically hold subordinate positions or rely on faculty members who have authority over their educational outcomes, meaning they represent a low-power demographic.To alter the gender portrayed in robots during the second study, the researchers used an iPad display showing different gendered facial features that topped a Bear Robotics Servi robot, which does not have any typical human-like features of its own. These facial features had “cute” designs, including round faces and big eyes. After being introduced to and interacting with the robot, participants completed a computer-based scenario, evaluating the robot’s recommendation for avocado toast.“Both male and female customers responded similarly to both the male and female robot designs,” Peng said. “For businesses that want to mitigate gender stereotypes, they can consider using a cute design for their robots.”

While service robots with male characteristics can be more persuasive when interacting with some women who have a low sense of power, “cute” design features — such as big eyes and raised cheeks — affect both men and women similarly, according to new research from a team in the Penn State School of Hospitality Management. Credit: Scharfsinn86/Getty Images. All Rights Reserved.

The hospitality industry can leverage the gender characteristics of service robots to influence customers' decisions, according to new research from a team in the Penn State School of Hospitality Management.

Gender characteristics of service robots can influence customer decisions

<h1 id="isPasted">Unitree Introducing | Unitree G1 Humanoid Agent | AI Avatar | Price from $16K</h1>Unlock unlimited sports potential (Extra large joint movement space angle, 23~43 joints) Force control of dexterous hands, manipulation of all thingsImitation &amp; reinforcement learning driven Robot world model, let’s create it together Unitree G1 Price from $16K (Tax and Shipping cost excluded)More introduction: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqbk1oNVpGaWU0Ym01Snp2X1RraVpMX2V2VU5wQXxBQ3Jtc0tuQ3MtMHFVakgxZi1iM3prT0IyNURaeVBLblRZa3NreHRCSXBQeXFIWnQ4QnV0TWFzWnFPeXJVWmNCNDctZC1uUkpMalFxWWs0Yzd5a3FhZmpGd2VDanU5YTBEV0RLWUZMV2pta0JrdVVDRjVSdHhHVQ&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.unitree.com%2Fg1&amp;v=GzX1qOIO1bE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.unitree.com/g1</a>Official Website: www.unitree.com Sales contact: sales_global@unitree.cc

Unlock unlimited sports potential

Unitree Introducing Unitree G1 Humanoid Agent AI Avatar

<h1 id="isPasted">Unitree H1 The World's First Full-size Motor Drive Humanoid Robot Flips on Ground</h1>Unitree H1 Deep Reinforcement Learning In-place Flipping Parameters: Weight: about 50kg Height: about 1.8mActuator: electric motor <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/unitree" target="_blank">#Unitree</a>  <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/unitreerobotics" target="_blank">#UnitreeRobotics</a>  <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/ai" target="_blank">#AI</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/robotics" target="_blank">#Robotics</a>  <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/humanoidrobots" target="_blank">#Humanoidrobots</a>   <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/worldmodel" target="_blank">#Worldmodel</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/worldrecord" target="_blank">#Worldrecord</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/flips" target="_blank">#Flips</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/embodiedai" target="_blank">#EmbodiedAI</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/artificialintelligence" target="_blank">#ArtificialIntelligence</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/technology" target="_blank">#Technology</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/innovation" target="_blank">#Innovation</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/futureoftech" target="_blank">#futureoftech</a>

Unitree H1 
Deep Reinforcement Learning
In-place Flipping Parameters:
Weight: about 50kg
Height: about 1.8m
Actuator: electric motor

Unitree H1 The World's First Full-size Motor Drive Humanoid Robot Flips on Ground

<h1 id="isPasted">Unitree Iron Fist King: Awakening!</h1>Let's step into a new era of Sci-Fi, join the fun together! Unitree will be livestreaming robot combat in about a month, stay tuned! <h2> </h2>

Let's step into a new era of Sci-Fi, join the fun together!
Unitree will be livestreaming robot combat in about a month, stay tuned!

Unitree Iron Fist King: Awakening!

This fresh, newly captured video from Unitree's testing grounds showcases the breakneck speed of humanoid intelligence advancement. Every day brings something thrilling!

This fresh, newly captured video from Unitree's testing grounds showcases the breakneck speed of humanoid intelligence advancement. Every day brings something thrilling!

Movement creates intelligence - Unitree's G1 humanoid robot nails the world's first kip-up!

One year after Unitree H1 (1.8m) pioneered the first standing backflip by an electric humanoid robot (March 2024). Meet the Unitree G1 – now flawlessly conquering an even more challenging standing side flip. (Zero malfunctions/damage occurred during programming and filming.)

One year after Unitree H1 (1.8m) pioneered the first standing backflip by an electric humanoid robot (March 2024). Meet the Unitree G1 – now flawlessly conquering an even more challenging standing side flip. (Zero malfunctions/damage occurred during programming and filming.)

World's First Side-Flipping Humanoid Robot: Unitree G1

The use of robots alongside humans is increasing rapidly, making the flexibility of these machines an important safety feature. A robot's ability to adapt flexibly to its surroundings makes the difference between smooth operation and potential hazards, such as collisions with people nearby. The German Aerospace Center (Deutsche Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) has established itself as a pioneer in the field of cobots – collaborative robots that work in close cooperation with humans. Until now, the goal of cobot research has been to design robots that behave like a mechanical spring – if moved towards a desired position, they will always return to their original position. DLR researchers have now presented a more advanced concept in the journal Science Robotics. Their approach allows robots to yield without returning to their original position like a spring. This behaviour is similar to that of humans in joint practical tasks that need to be completed, where one person takes the lead while the other remains flexible and compliant.Michael Panzirsch, researcher at the DLR Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics, explains: "The new elasto-plastic approach makes human-robot collaboration much easier, as the robot can now clearly distinguish between its own programmed movements and external influences from the environment. The robot should only react plastically to the influence of the environment, meaning it should move out of the way and remain in that spot."In addition, the innovative controller generally simplifies interactions with objects that have a complex movement. For example, a hinged door can only be opened by rotating it around its axis. The robot follows the correct direction of movement – the circular motion around the hinges – almost automatically via the controller and without the need for an additional model of the door. This is comparable to a person opening a door with their eyes closed, simply pulling on the door handle and automatically adapting to the rotating motion in a plastically compliant manner.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1742345164286-image-1000-a8507f2c4983a98356706e6648326803.jpeg" />Two robotic hands cooperating to handle a tool While the arm of the DLR humanoid robot (right) independently carries an object, an astronaut controls the ESA Interact Rover's arm (left). The astronaut guides the object to the target position. The new approach allows for the humanoid to maintain the object's rotation while yielding to the rover arm during linear movements.  Credit: DLR (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0)<h2>Applications in space research and care</h2>The DLR Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics has been researching sensitive robots for decades. It has developed a robotic arm that stands out from conventional rigid industrial robots thanks to its remarkable flexibility. The elasto-plastic control approach was successfully tested in space as early as January 2024. The Surface Avatar project series is investigating the teleoperation of several robotic avatars on a planetary surface. The focus here is on the successful cooperation between a diverse team of robots performing collaborative tasks. "For the first time, our controller enabled cooperation between a rover from the European Space Agency's Human Robot Interaction Laboratory and a humanoid DLR robot controlled by an astronaut on the International Space Station," explains Neal Y. Lii, Scientific Director of the Surface Avatar programme.But the versatility of the technology is not limited to space. In the care sector, the elasto-plastic controller is proving to be a valuable aid. As part of the SMiLE project (Services for People with Living Conditions and Restrictions; Servicerobotik für Menschen in Lebenssituationen mit Einschränkungen), DLR researchers like Jörn Vogel are developing concepts for assistance systems designed to effectively support people with physical limitations and those in need of care in everyday life. The elasto-plastic controller not only facilitates cooperation between humans and robots but also enables the robot to seamlessly slip into an assistant role without requiring complex additional sensor technology.Advances in robotics, particularly in terms of compliance and adaptability, not only accelerate the integration of robots into everyday life but also increase safety and effectiveness. In a future where humans and machines work ever more closely together, it will be crucial for robots to not only react but also interpret our needs and idiosyncrasies, thereby mirroring human capabilities.

Remote-controlled from the ISS − DLR Rollin' Justin robot and the ESA Interact Rover. DLR's autonomous humanoid robot Rollin' Justin (right) and the ESA Interact Rover (left) being controlled from the International Space Station ISS. They are cooperating on the handling of a tool. Credit: DLR (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0)

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