Chinese robotics company Unitree has amazed the world with a revolutionary breakthrough in humanoid robotics. The company’s compact G1 robot has accomplished a world-first kick-up, demonstrating remarkable agility and cutting-edge motion capabilities.
Cutting-Edge Advancements in Robotics
Unitree has been developing its humanoid robots at a quick pace, constantly enhancing its algorithms to improve control and precision. The G1 can now complete a standing side flip, exceeding the standing backflip that the company’s full-sized humanoid, the H1, was able to accomplish in March 2024, according to a video posted just last week.
A recently made public video from Unitree’s’ test grounds demonstrates the G1’s’ remarkable flexibility and agility. The humanoid robot and its trainer executed a sweeping kick in the battle style, showcasing exceptional balance and coordination. The G1 also executed competitive Tai Chi techniques and got up from a face-up position while a sack blocked its view. In a different test, the robot mimicked human responses by balancing itself after being kicked from behind while walking and automatically readjusting its arms, legs, and body to counteract the force.
Sim2Real Training Technology
Using Sim2Real, Unitree uses Nvidia’s” Isaac Simulator for virtual training to translate improved robot skills to practical applications smoothly. Motion capture and video data are used to analyze human behaviour to create a digital twin of the humanoid robot. The simulator improves these behaviours using reinforcement learning before being implemented in the real robot.
High-Performance Hardware and Features
The G1, which weighs 35 kg (77 lbs) and stands 1.32 meters (4.33 feet), has 23 degrees of freedom (DoF) for remarkable stability and coordination. Its tiny design allows it to fold up to just 27 x 17.7 x 11.8 inches for easy storage.
The G1 has cutting-edge technology, including 3D LiDAR, a RealSense depth camera, and a noise-cancelling microphone array for voice command recognition. It is powered by a 9,000mAh quick-release battery, delivering up to two hours of operation with easy swap-out functionality. Its agile movement is driven by an 8-core high-performance CPU, which precisely controls its joints, allowing it to walk at speeds of up to 7.2 km/h (4.5 mph).
Open-Source Innovation in Robotics
Unitree is driving innovation by introducing an open-source full-body motion dataset to advance humanoid robotics. This dataset enhances motor control and movement fluidity for more human-like motions, such as dancing and dynamic repositioning. Compatible with Unitree’s humanoid models, including the H1, H1-2, and G1, the dataset integrates LAFAN1 motion capture technology and an advanced redirection algorithm for optimized motion planning.
Unitree hopes to promote advancement in the field and increase the use of humanoid robotics in both academic and commercial domains by making this data publicly accessible. With a sprint speed of 11.9 km/h (7.38 mph) in March 2024, the H1 set a Guinness World Record, demonstrating how the company’s humanoid models continue to set industry standards. The G1 is a flexible research platform made to be small and inexpensive, increasing access to advanced robotics globally.