A Chinese company named Unitree Robotics has shown off its newest robot, the H1 humanoid robot. They say it’s the fastest of its kind in the world. This robot called the Evolution V3.0, can move quickly at 3.3 meters per second. That’s super-fast and a big deal for robots like this. The H1 is Unitree’s first attempt at making a humanoid robot after they became famous for their robots that looked like dogs.
The H1 robot is quite tall, standing at 1,805 millimeters, and it weighs about 47 kilograms. It’s not just big; it’s really smart too! It has lots of joints in its legs and arms, giving it the ability to move in many different ways. It can even carry heavy stuff, up to 30 kilograms.
The robot is also very aware of its surroundings. It has special sensors, like a camera and a LiDAR, that help it see everything around it. Plus, it has two powerful mini-computers inside that can think really fast.
In a video released by Unitree, the Evolution V3.0 demonstrates various tasks beyond speed-walking. It showcases agility by dancing, climbing and descending stairs, and performing standing jumps comparable to those of a human. Notably, the H1 achieves these feats using electric motors, unlike bulkier hydraulic actuators commonly seen in similar robots like Boston Dynamics’ Atlas.
The H1’s achievements position it ahead of competitors in the humanoid robotics landscape. While Agility Robotics’ Cassie previously set a sprinting record, it lacks the full-body capabilities of the H1. Other contenders, like Figure and Sanctuary, prioritize different aspects of humanoid functionality such as dexterity over walking speed or even omit legs entirely. Tesla’s Optimus humanoid, while claiming a walking speed improvement, still falls short compared to the H1’s capabilities.
However, prospective buyers should exercise patience and financial readiness. Unitree estimates a waiting period of three to 10 years for the H1’s commercial availability, with a price tag of US$90,000.
Unitree’s achievement with the H1 Evolution V3.0 marks significant progress in humanoid robotics, particularly in terms of speed, agility, and versatility. By surpassing previous speed records and demonstrating a wide range of movements, the H1 showcases the potential for future advancements in robotics technology.
As Unitree continues to refine its design and prepare for market release, the H1 stands as a testament to the capabilities of modern humanoid robots and their potential impact across various industries.
