Fourier’s GR-1 humanoids pose little menace in a dance-off

November 22, 2023

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Singapore firm Fourier Intelligence has launched a video displaying at the least a dozen of its GR-1 humanoids, set for buyer supply this yr. However whereas the GR-1 may need the perfect hips in robotics, it ain’t gonna win any rug-cutting contests.

The hips in query are the beefy 300-Nm (221-lb-ft) hip actuators with which Fourier says the GR-1 will have the ability to elevate a exceptional 50 kg (110 lb) of weight – almost as a lot because the 1.65-m (5.4-ft)-tall robotic weighs itself at 55 kg (121 lb).

That is as a result of – as we have coated earlier than – the GR-1 is designed to work as a caregiver and remedy assistant for the aged. It is unlikely to elevate 50 kg bins off the ground, however will most likely have the ability to assist a affected person stand up from a mattress, rest room or wheelchair because of giant, purple handles on its hips.

Fourier is planning to ship 100 items by the top of the yr. These will not be absolutely practical, clever robots, although. They will be {hardware}/software program platforms with primary skills. Fourier will ship them primarily to R&D labs, the place a spread of distributed groups will try to make the GR-1 match for helpful service.

The GR-1 makes a rather feeble-looking punch. We're OK with that — The GR-1 makes a slightly feeble-looking punch. We’re OK with that

And that is most likely why we get this video – to indicate that Fourier has constructed at the least 12 full humanoids which might be able to ship with a sure degree of functionality.

It isn’t a excessive degree of functionality, although. Certainly, it is most likely truthful to say the digicam strikes extra dynamically than the bots themselves, which wiggle their fingers, wave their arms, make some feeble air punches, rock a shallow half-squat or two, twist on the waist, and perform a little little bit of stiff-legged strolling.

So that they’re definitely no menace in a dance-off in opposition to Atlas from Boston Dynamics, which together with some acrobatic flips and whatnot has additionally been recognized to bust out a imply working man occasionally, in addition to a rudimentary however practical twist. Take a look at the Fourier bots under.