New Chinese humanoid robot shows off its strength by lifting 35 pounds per hand
Shanghai Kepler Robotics, a leading company in the field of humanoid robotics, is making waves with its innovative Forerunner series. The latest addition to their lineup, the Forerunner K2, has quickly gained attention for its advanced technology and capabilities. Kepler is at the forefront of pushing the boundaries of what robots can do, setting the stage for a future where humanoid robots are an integral part of our everyday lives.
The original Forerunner, now known as K1, showcased Kepler’s cutting-edge technology, including proprietary planetary roller screw actuators, intelligent dexterous hands, and the Nebula AI system. Standing at 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weighing 187 pounds, the K1 was designed to compete with other leading humanoid robots in the market.
Building on the success of the K1, Kepler has introduced the Forerunner K2, representing the fifth generation of their humanoid robot technology. This latest model has undergone extensive software and hardware enhancements, making it suitable for commercial applications across various industries.
The Forerunner K2 boasts an impressive 52 degrees of freedom throughout its body, allowing for more natural and fluid movements. Its rotating and tilting head module, along with improved arm and leg rigidity, enhances its overall functionality and ease of maintenance. The robot’s dexterous hands, with up to 11 degrees of freedom and 96 contact points on each fingertip, enable precise object manipulation and tactile sensing.
Kepler has significantly enhanced the K2’s vision system and navigation software, enabling it to perceive and react to its environment in real time. The robot’s artificial intelligence capabilities have been expanded through embodied intelligence software, imitation and reinforcement learning, and a cloud-based cognitive model. These improvements allow the K2 to perform tasks autonomously and cooperate effectively with human operators.
Kepler has positioned the Forerunner K2 as a versatile solution for various industries, including intelligent manufacturing, warehousing and logistics, high-risk operations, and research and education. With an estimated retail price range of $20,000 to $30,000, Kepler aims to make its humanoid robots accessible to a wide range of businesses. Mass production of the robots is set to begin in the second half of 2024, solidifying Kepler’s position as an industry leader.
As humanoid robots like the Forerunner K2 become more capable and affordable, we can expect to see them play a significant role in our workplaces. While the increasing presence of robots may raise concerns for some, the benefits of their assistance in various industries, from manufacturing to healthcare, are undeniable. Kepler’s Forerunner K2 is a prime example of the exciting potential of humanoid robotics in shaping the future.
