Shanghai Kepler Robotics is making headlines once again with the introduction of its latest humanoid robot, the Forerunner K2. Building on the success of its predecessor, the Forerunner K1, this fifth-generation robot showcases significant advancements in hardware, software, and functionality.
The Forerunner K1, Kepler’s initial foray into the humanoid robot market, was already a technological marvel. Standing 5 feet, 10 inches tall, and weighing 187 pounds, it featured proprietary planetary roller screw actuators, intelligent dexterous hands, and the Nebula AI system. Designed to compete with leading robots worldwide, the K1 set a solid foundation for Kepler’s robotic ambitions.
The Forerunner K2 builds on this legacy, representing the pinnacle of Kepler’s five generations of humanoid robotics development. This model incorporates numerous upgrades, tailoring it for commercial applications across industries like manufacturing, logistics, and high-risk operations.
The Forerunner K2’s 52 degrees of freedom across its body enable highly natural and fluid movements, a step closer to mimicking human flexibility. Its rotating and tilting head module, coupled with reinforced arm and leg designs, improves its stability and simplifies maintenance.
One of the standout features of the K2 is its dexterous hands, capable of supporting up to 11 degrees of active and passive freedom. Each fingertip is equipped with 96 tactile sensor points, allowing for precise object manipulation and tactile sensitivity. These hands can carry loads of up to 33 pounds, making the robot well-suited for tasks requiring strength and precision.
Kepler has revolutionized the K2’s capabilities with cutting-edge AI and software advancements. The robot features a highly improved vision system and real-time navigation software, allowing it to seamlessly perceive and react to its surroundings. By integrating embodied intelligence software, imitation and reinforcement learning, and a cloud-based cognitive model, the K2 can perform tasks autonomously and collaborate effectively with human operators.
Enhanced gait planning and control algorithms further refine the robot’s stability and walking speed, ensuring smoother movement in dynamic environments.
Kepler has positioned the Forerunner K2 as an ideal solution for industries such as manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, research, and high-risk operations. The robot is already being tested in customer facilities, performing tasks like materials handling, patrol and inspection, sample processing, and quality control.
Kepler plans to retail the K2 at an estimated price of $20,000 to $30,000, making it a cost-effective option for businesses seeking to integrate advanced robotics into their operations. The company has also announced plans for mass production starting in the second half of 2024.