China-based Humanoid Robots has made a significant breakthrough by introducing Qinglong, an innovative life-size general-purpose humanoid robot, at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) 2024 in Shanghai. Standing at an impressive 5 feet 9 inches tall, Qinglong is equipped with remarkable human-like hands that enable it to perform intricate tasks, such as handling and manipulating everyday objects with precision.
At WAIC, Qinglong demonstrated its capabilities by picking up soft items, like bread, without causing any damage. The robot efficiently handled various objects, including cups, showcasing its dexterity and control. The integrated AI software allows Qinglong to assess the necessary strength required to grasp specific items efficiently. “We introduced vision and touch into Qinglong, enabling it to apply appropriate force during the grasping process. This capability is crucial for flexible grasping, a cornerstone of humanoid robot technology,” explained Xing Boyang, the director of research and development systems at Humanoid Robots.
Developed by Humanoid Robots, a leading research lab in Shanghai, Qinglong is part of a government initiative from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology that established the National Local Joint Humanoid Robot Innovation Center. Weighing in at 176 pounds, Qinglong features a bionic torso designed for agile movement and anthropomorphic motion control. With up to 43 active degrees of freedom, the robot boasts an extensive range of motion, further enhancing its versatility and adaptability.
The team highlights Qinglong’s impressive “athletic” and off-road capabilities, indicating its potential for a variety of practical applications. In a forward-looking statement, Jiang Lei, the chief scientist at the National Local Joint Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, revealed plans to release a new humanoid robot model annually, each named after one of the Chinese zodiac animals. The name "Qinglong" translates to "green" or "azure dragon," symbolizing power and vitality.
By the year 2027, the research lab aims to train 1,000 humanoid robots simultaneously to perform multiple real-world tasks, setting a new standard for robotic training and capabilities. Other companies in China have also been developing humanoid robots, including Robot Era’s XBot-L and H1 from Unitree, contributing to the vibrant landscape of robotics innovation in the region.
To foster collaboration within the field, the researchers behind Qinglong have launched the OpenLoong platform, an open-source community initiative. This platform provides the hardware specifications and parameters utilized in Qinglong, empowering other robotics researchers to experiment and build upon their advancements. The creators of OpenLoong aim to “promote the full-scale application of humanoid robots and support the emergence of embodied intelligence.” There are plans to integrate the software package that powers Qinglong into the platform in the future.
Yang Zhengye, the marketing director at Humanoid Robots, articulated the pressing need for a centralized platform to consolidate humanoid robot technology resources. “Currently, the humanoid robot sector is thriving, but numerous companies are pursuing similar pathways, primarily targeting the movement issues of robots. This can lead to significant resource duplication and prolonged technological iterations,” he noted. The National and Local Co-construction Humanoid Robot Innovation Center aspires to provide a unified platform that encourages collective innovation in humanoid robotics.
As the development of humanoid robots continues to advance, Qinglong stands at the forefront of this exciting frontier, paving the way for groundbreaking applications and innovations in robotics.
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