The world’s first purely-electric humanoid robot, “Tiangong,” has gone open-source to speed up its integration and adoption across industries and research institutions. Developed by China’s Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, Tiangong is a versatile platform capable of steady speeds of 3.73 miles per hour, powered by visual perception, 3D vision sensors, and high-precision IMU for advanced motion control. Revealed on May 4 at the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area, Tiangong represents China’s push toward humanoid robotics innovation.
The decision to make Tiangong’s platform open-source allows global researchers and companies direct access to its software, structural design, and mechanical documents, significantly reducing development time and cost. Two versions of the robot, “Tiangong 1.0 LITE” and “Tiangong Pro,” have been released, with plans for further structural blueprints and system architecture by year-end.
Tiangong has already been employed in various roles, including power plant patrols and warehouse logistics, showcasing its practical applications. China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has laid out an ambitious plan to lead humanoid robot development, aiming for mass production by 2025 and advanced capabilities like learning and creating by 2027. This vision aligns with the growing robotic industry in Beijing, where over 110 companies collaborate to build a robust industrial ecosystem.
Standing at 163 cm and weighing just 43 kg, Tiangong’s lightweight, fully electric design supports a stable and agile movement profile. Its sensor suite, including high-precision six-axis force sensors and IMU, enables lifelike motion, fluid navigation up stairs and slopes, and adaptive gait changes. Tiangong’s sophisticated processing capabilities, handling 550 trillion operations per second, allow it to perform human-like tasks such as sprinting and recovering from stumbles. By opening up its platform, Tiangong’s developers aim to inspire broader commercial applications and establish China as a leader in the rapidly advancing field of humanoid robotics.
