- UBTech has partnered with Baidu to develop the industrial android Walker.
- A trend is emerging towards humanoid machines equipped with AI models.
- Robots can assist in solving everyday tasks.
Chinese company UBTech has partnered with Baidu to integrate speech and reasoning capabilities into the industrial humanoid Walker S.
An Android with a Chatbot Brain
The developers followed the example of the American company Figure, which equipped its android with ChatGPT. The AI model helps it learn and interact with people.
The new capabilities of Figure 01 demonstrated a significant shift towards humanoid robots that seamlessly integrate into human life. They can assist in performing everyday tasks and contribute to industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and hospitality.
Using AppBuilder, UBTech’s android interacts with Baidu’s large language model Erine. Walker S has learned to understand language and independently perform duties such as sorting items and folding clothes.
The new Walker S, along with its “younger brother” Walker X, was presented at an event in Hong Kong late last year to mark the company’s stock market debut.
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, 2024
The Evolution of Bipedal Robots
UBTech was founded in 2012. Its products focus on education with AI, smart logistics, smart health, and elderly care.
UBTech introduced Walker S in 2023 for industrial use. At NIO’s advanced car manufacturing center, the android was placed on the assembly line as an “intern” to assist in production.
According to company representatives, Walker S is the first bipedal humanoid robot to perform tasks at a specific workplace on a mobile electric vehicle production line.
Walker S is an improved version of the previous model’s mechanical assistant.
Walker X is equipped with an advanced four-sensor system and dual RGBD sensors. It has manipulator arms with seven degrees of freedom. Developers report enhanced dexterity and precision in task execution.
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
— UBTECH Robotics (@UBTECHRobotics) April 11, 2022
According to UBTech, the humanoid’s superior object recognition and sorting capabilities ensure efficient operation in various conditions. Walker X can also easily interact with household appliances such as refrigerators, coffee makers, and vacuum cleaners.
The robot performs complex movements with stability, supported by precise balance control. It can withstand a weight of up to 10 kg or walk while 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 execute assigned tasks. It is assisted by Baidu’s large language model Ernie.
Tasks include folding a T-shirt and handing it to a researcher. Notably, the robot even offers advice on clothing choices. Walker S exhibits real-time adaptability, adjusting to changes made by a human operator.
The humanoid is equipped with built-in depth sensors and machine vision cameras, which help it effectively perceive and navigate its surroundings. The enhanced 3D object recognition feature ensures seamless obstacle avoidance. Additionally, the presence of human-like hands enhances the robot’s dexterity in performing object manipulation tasks.
UBTech’s collaboration with Baidu and the integration of ChatGPT into Figure 01 is clearly a growing trend.
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In March, Mercedes began exploring the capabilities of Apptronik’s Apollo robots to perform routine tasks on production lines.