The Chinese company UBTech has partnered with Baidu to introduce speech and reasoning functions into the Walker S industrial humanoid.
An android with a chatbot in its head
The developers followed the example of the American company Figure, which equipped its android with ChatGPT. The AI model helps him to learn and interact with people.
The new abilities of Figure 01 have demonstrated a significant shift towards humanoid robots that fit seamlessly into human life. They can help with day-to-day tasks and contribute to industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and hospitality.
Using the AppBuilder android, UBTech interacts with the large Erine language model from Baidu. Walker S has learned to understand the language and independently perform duties like sorting items and folding clothes.
The new Walker S, along with the "younger brother" Walker X, was presented at an event in Hong Kong at the end of last year in honor of the company's launch on the stock exchange.
On 29 December, UBTECH ROBOTICS (https://t.co/mDFRhXcb0e) officially listed on the main board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, became the first humanoid robot company listed on the HKEX. pic.twitter.com/lYjw1BCPW0
— UBTECH Robotics (@UBTECHRobotics) January 10, 2024The evolution of bipedal robots
UBTech was founded in 2012. Its products focus on AI-enabled education, smart logistics, smart health and elderly care.
UBTech introduced the Walker S in 2023 for industrial use. At NIO's advanced car manufacturing center, an android was put on the assembly line as an "intern" to help with production.
According to company representatives, Walker S is the first bipedal humanoid robot that performs tasks at a specific workplace on a mobile electric vehicle production line.
The Walker S is an improved version of the previous model's mechanical assistant.
The Walker X is equipped with an advanced four-sensor system and dual RGBD sensors. He has manipulator arms with seven degrees of freedom. Developers report increased android dexterity and accuracy in completing tasks.
With improved hand-eye coordination, Walker X can handle difficult tasks with extreme precision. Walker X is equipped with two HD cameras and dual RGB-D sensor technology for excellent object and scene recognition.
Learn more: https://t.co/gs3tyl8WEM pic.twitter.com/mGNiZGJBbI
According to UBTech, the humanoid's superior object recognition and sorting abilities ensure efficient operation in a variety of environments. Walker X can also easily interact with household appliances such as a refrigerator, coffee maker and vacuum cleaner.
The robot performs complex movements with stability maintained through precise balance control. It can support a weight of up to 10 kg or walk carrying a load of up to 3 kg in each hand.
Walker's takes the stage
During the presentation, Walker S demonstrated the ability to identify and complete the tasks assigned to him. The large Ernie language model from Baidu helps him in this.
Among the tasks is to fold a T—shirt and hand it over to the researcher. It is noteworthy that the robot even gives advice on choosing clothes. Walker S is adaptable in real time, adapting to the changes made by the human operator.
The humanoid is equipped with built-in depth sensors and technical vision cameras, which help it effectively perceive the environment and navigate it. The advanced 3D object recognition feature ensures smooth obstacle avoidance. In addition, the presence of humanoid hands increases the dexterity of the robot when performing tasks of manipulating objects.
UBTech's collaboration with Baidu and the integration of ChatGPT into Figure 01 is clearly a growing trend.
The latest AI chips and software from Nvidia will further accelerate progress in the field of cybernetics.
Recall that in March, Mercedes began studying the ability of Apptronik's Apollo robots to perform routine tasks on production lines.