Sneaker-wearing STAR1 navigates Gobi Desert with ease
The flagship Star1 stands 5.6 ft tall and features a unique running style, achieving speeds of 8 mph while navigating diverse terrain.
Robot Era, a rising name in the humanoid robot space, has captured the attention of tech enthusiasts again with a new stunt.
After showcasing its XBot-L humanoid strolling along the Great Wall of China a few months ago, the company has now released footage of two Star1 models racing through the Gobi Desert.
The high-speed desert run provides a glimpse into the potential future of humanoid robots designed for real-world environments.
Racing humanoids in the Gobi Desert
The video, shot late last month, shows two Star1 humanoid robots racing through diverse terrain in the Gobi Desert. The robots are seen navigating rocky paths, grassy areas, and winding roads.
One of the robots runs “bare-footed,” while the other sports a pair of sneakers, which, as it turns out, played a significant role in the outcome of the race.
Though Robot Era has not revealed many details about the Star1 humanoid robot, we do know a few key specifications. Standing at 5.6 ft (1.71 meters) tall and weighing 143 pounds (65 kg), the robot moves with a unique gait.
Its straight-backed posture remains constant as its jointed legs push forward in a motion reminiscent of Monty Python’s “Ministry of Silly Walks.”
In the desert race, the robot wearing sneakers started behind its opponent but quickly closed the gap. Robot Era reported that the sneaker-clad Star1 reached speeds of 8 mph (3.6 meters per second) and managed to stay in the lead for a full 34 minutes.
Advanced technology for real-world scenarios
Robot Era’s humanoid robots are powered by cutting-edge technology, allowing them to perform impressively in various environments. Both Star1 models feature proprietary 295-lb.ft (400-Nm) motors, which include “precision planetary reducers, high-precision encoders, and drivers.”
This advanced motor system ensures smooth and efficient movement, crucial for navigating rough terrain like the Gobi Desert.
Additionally, the robots are equipped with high-speed communication modules that allow them to process information in real-time.
AI computing power of up to 275 tops (trillions of operations per second) enables the robots to perceive their surroundings and adapt to different environments.
This is a significant advantage, as it allows the humanoids to tackle diverse terrain without losing balance or speed.
The Gobi Desert race serves as a demonstration of how these robots can adjust to challenging conditions, reinforcing Robot Era’s goal of deploying humanoid robots in practical, real-world settings.
“This test run will pave the way for its robots to be deployed in a number of scenarios,” the company stated. Whether in households or workplaces, Robot Era aims to introduce general-purpose humanoid robots powered by artificial intelligence.
A competitive market for humanoids
Robot Era may be a relatively new player in the humanoid robot industry, but it has already made a significant impact. The company was incubated by Tsinghua University in August 2023, and in just a short period, it has developed multiple humanoid robots, including a dexterous, human-like hand.
Their promotional videos have successfully drawn attention to their robots’ capabilities, with the recent desert race being no exception.
However, the race to dominate the humanoid robot market is fierce. Companies like Tesla, Figure, Unitree, and Fourier are also developing humanoid robots designed for everyday tasks. Each of these companies is striving to tap into what is expected to be a highly lucrative market, as robots become increasingly integrated into both household and workplace environments.
