UBTECH launches Tiangong Walker, a research-grade humanoid robot priced under $45k
UBTECH introduces Tiangong Walker, making advanced humanoid robots affordable at $41,310.
UBTECH, a prominent technology company based in Shenzhen, China, has made waves with the launch of its latest innovation, the Tiangong Walker. In collaboration with the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, the company presented this full-sized humanoid robot specifically designed for educational and research purposes. It comes with a competitive price tag of RMB 299,000, which is approximately $41,310, making it accessible to a broader range of educational institutions and researchers. UBTECH claims that this is the first time a research-grade humanoid robot is available under RMB 300,000, setting a new benchmark in the robotics field.
The Tiangong Walker stands out for its advanced features aimed at lowering the entry barrier for humanoid robot applications in research environments. With a height of 170 cm and boasting a biomimetic torso, it offers human-like motion control with 20 degrees of freedom. This allows the robot to perform complex motions and handle varying terrains including slopes, steps, sand, and snow while resisting impact disturbances. UBTECH's use of titanium alloy in constructing critical areas of the robot has reduced its weight, enhancing structural strength and impact resistance, which are essential for rigorous research settings.
In terms of technological prowess, the Tiangong Walker is equipped with a modular, expandable design that facilitates a wide range of research and educational needs. It includes integrated technologies such as depth cameras, LiDAR for sensing its environment, NVIDIA Orin computing board for processing, six-axis force sensors for tactile feedback, collaborative dual-arm systems, and dexterous hands. For researchers looking to customize their work, UBTECH provides complete access to motor, sensor, and motion control interfaces, as well as development guides and sample code. The robot's computing capabilities can be extended up to 550 TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second), providing substantial computational power required for complex algorithms.
This innovation arrives at a crucial time for China, where the robotics industry is being positioned as a new frontier in global technological competition. Earlier in 2023, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) released guidelines emphasizing the importance of humanoid robots in technological development and economic growth. This has led to the establishment of collaborations such as the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, which UBTECH, Jingcheng Machinery Electric, Xiaomi Robotics, Yizhuang Robotics, among others, co-founded to spearhead advancements in this domain. Additionally, the Humanoid Robot Research Fund, announced by UBTECH with an initial investment of RMB 10 million ($1.38 million), aims to bolster development projects by global research institutions.
This strategic move by UBTECH not only lowers the financial barriers for acquiring sophisticated research tools but also reinforces China's leading stance in the global robotics sector. By fostering greater access to cutting-edge humanoid robots, more universities and research centers can partake in pioneering research that could lead to transformative innovations in robot-assisted learning and development. The Tiangong Walker represents a crucial step in making advanced robotics more inclusive and accessible, potentially driving forward a new wave of innovations in technology and research.
Sources: TechNode, UBTECH Press Release