Tiangong, developed by the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, was presented as a true technological showcase. This 163 cm, 43 kilo humanoid robot, powered entirely by electricity, is capable of running at a speed of 6 km/h, with impressive stability. Its secret lies in advanced electrical actuators, combined with a battery of cutting-edge sensors: 3D vision sensors, visual perception, and even force sensors for movements that are as fluid as they are precise.
Open to all
One of its assets? It can climb stairs, descend slopes or even cross varied terrain such as gravel or sand, while quickly adjusting in the event of a fall. Enough to interest researchers and companies who would like to adapt it to specific uses.
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But Tiangong doesn’t stop there. By going open source, it becomes a platform accessible to everyone. Since its official launch last April, the robot has already been used for tasks such as surveillance in power plants and warehouse management. With two versions offered, Tiangong 1.0 LITE and Tiangong Pro, design plans, software and schematics are now available for those who want to dive in.
Why open the doors to such technology? According to the research center, making Tiangong accessible aims to reduce the costs and time needed to develop new robotic solutions. The idea is to provide a solid foundation to drive innovation across the ecosystem.
This strategy is part of a broader vision of the Chinese government. Indeed, the country has announced that it wants to produce humanoid robots en masse by 2025 and enable them to learn, think and create by 2027. With Tiangong as a pioneer, China wants to consolidate its leading position in the robotics.
The Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center is not alone in this approach. Other players such as UBtech Robotics or Unitree are also working to develop robots capable of interacting more naturally with humans. Furthermore, universities like that of Beijing or Huazhong, in Wuhan, are participating in this rise in power. Open source is seen as a lever to standardize technologies and improve collaboration in the sector.
Tiangong could also become a model for global industry. And this is just the beginning: by the end of the year, new plans and software for Tiangong will go live, providing even more possibilities for developers.
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