Chinese robotics company Kepler has made a major development in humanoid robotics with the unveiling of its latest model, Forerunner K2.
Building on the success of its predecessor, the Forerunner K1, the K2 incorporates advanced software and hardware upgrades designed to meet the demands of various industries. Kepler introduced its K1 in November 2023, a 55-pound robot equipped with an 8-hour battery life and agile manipulators. Now, with the release of the K2, the Shanghai-based company has raised the bar.
The company has presented a robot that offers greater intelligence and improved functionality. According to Kepler, the K2’s software improvements span areas such as dynamic perception, task planning, full-body coordination, and motion control, making it a significant upgrade from the previous model.
In a statement, Kepler described the Forerunner K2 as representing the “Gen 5.0 robot model,” boasting “a seamless integration of the humanoid robot’s cerebral, cerebellar, and high-load body functions.” This integration enables the K2 to perform complex tasks with greater precision and efficiency, setting it apart from earlier iterations.
One of the key advancements of the K2 is its embodied intelligence, which has been refined through extensive collaboration with nearly 50 target customers. Kepler focused its research on intelligent manufacturing, warehousing, high-risk tasks, and education to ensure the K2 meets the specific needs of these industries. As a result, the robot is equipped to handle real-world scenarios with advanced autonomous learning capabilities, supported by imitation and reinforcement learning models.
In addition to these software enhancements, the Forerunner K2’s hardware has undergone a comprehensive upgrade. The robot’s limbs have been redesigned for increased rigidity, simplifying both manufacturing and maintenance. Its tactile manipulators now support up to 11 degrees of freedom per hand, with each hand capable of lifting 33 pounds. Additionally, sensors on the robot’s fingertips feature 96 contact points, providing highly sensitive touch capabilities that enhance its operational precision.
Forerunner K2’s battery system is also built for endurance, with a 2.33 kWh battery providing up to eight hours of continuous use. The robot offers both direct and automatic charging options, adding flexibility for long-term operations. Its head has two degrees of freedom for movement, while the body boasts 52 degrees, enabling improved sensory perception and coordination.
The K2’s design is industrial and sleek, tailored for blue-collar work environments where ruggedness and reliability are paramount. Enhanced algorithms for human-robot interaction enable smooth communication during remote operations, while improved visual perception and navigation algorithms allow the K2 to monitor its surroundings in real-time, make quick decisions, and adapt to complex environments. This ensures that the robot operates safely and efficiently, even in challenging scenarios.
Kepler is positioning the Forerunner K2 for widespread adoption across industries. The robot has already entered the testing phase, where it has been deployed for tasks like material handling, inspections, and quality control. According to Kepler, the company’s commercialization plan involves a three-stage pathway: initial deployment, expansion into vertical industries, and eventual universal application.