What stands 178 cm tall (5 ft, 10 in), weighs 85 kg (187 lb) and has five-fingered palms with 12 levels of freedom? That is proper, it is the Kepler Forerunner humanoid robotic, and it is set to debut subsequent week at CES.
Manufactured by China’s Kepler Exploration Robotic Firm, the Forerunner is designed to be a direct competitor to Tesla’s Optimus robotic. That stated, it is a bit dearer. Whereas the newest worth estimate for the Optimus is lower than US$20,000, the Forerunner should go for about $30,000.
One of many robotic’s large promoting options are the proprietary planetary curler screw actuators in its legs and arms. These ship as much as 8,000 Newtons (1,798 pound-force) of thrust to the elbow, knee and ankle joints.
In accordance with Kepler, these actuators “surpass typical motors in delivering precision management, enhanced energy and fast responsiveness, adeptly dealing with complicated duties.” Customized rotary actuators transfer the waist and shoulder joints.
Kepler
The Forerunner perceives its environment by way of a gaggle of sensors positioned in its head. These units embrace a wide-angle binocular digital camera, a far-field array of 4 microphones, an accelerometer and an AHRS (perspective and heading reference system). It might additionally converse to individuals by way of an artificial voice module and stereophonic audio system.
The entire sensory information is processed by way of Kepler’s proprietary Nebula AI system, reportedly permitting the robotic to navigate complicated environments and keep away from obstacles whereas strolling throughout uneven terrain. Its palms can each sense and gently grasp objects, plus additionally they enable the robotic to choose up and carry heavy objects – a precise lifting/carrying capability hasn’t been offered at this level.
Kepler
In accordance with Kepler, a number of variations of the Forerunner will likely be obtainable, geared toward purposes comparable to manufacturing, inspection, high-risk duties, outside work, plus robotics analysis and schooling.
Manufacturing and delivery ought to begin within the third quarter of this 12 months. You possibly can see the robotic in motion, in a video on the corporate web site linked under.
Supply: Kepler
