Direct Drive Tech have unveiled the D1 robot, capable of autonomous configuration and functioning across different scenarios.
Hong Kong robotics firm Direct Drive Technology has unveiled the ‘world’s first’ fully modular embodied intelligence robot. The 95-second video on YouTube shows the modular quadruped robot, named D1, traversing different types of terrains with human-like accuracy.
Its most interesting aspect is that the D1 robot can transform into a biped when needed, expanding its area of application across various terrains.Quadrupeds are known for their stability and typically perform well on uneven surfaces or chaotic terrain. Bipedal robots are generally lighter in weight and smaller in size, known for their better performance on flat surfaces.Because the real world contains both types of environments, Direct Drive Technology built the D1 to combine the advantages of each – using biped mode when efficiency and speed are possible, and quadruped mode when stability and sure-footedness are required.The D1’s traversing capabilitiesIn the video, the D1 can be seen rolling as a scout vehicle over smooth terrains, showing its speed and ability to scout or patrol. This mode emphasizes the robot’s modular wheel capabilities.The robot uses four legs when it has to traverse more complex terrain or carry supplies. It can also carry a full-grown human in such terrain.The D1 robot shifts some modules to balance on two limbs, demonstrating its ability to adapt into a humanoid-like form or stand upright for interactions or observation.In one instance, the robot took a heavy fall in rough terrain and managed to regain its balance with precision. It was also seen wheeling over a watery surface without losing its balance.The robot configurationSpecs-wise, each biped bot section weighs 24.3 kg , has a maximum rolling speed of 11 km/h , and can run for over five hours per two-hour charge of its 43.2V/9-Ah lithium battery.Each section of the D1 robot operates with a Jetson Orin NX 8GB processor running the Ubuntu 22.04 operating system. This setup enables both remote and autonomous control.When the modules are linked together, the two bipeds form a quadruped capable of handling a payload of up to 100 kg . Suggested applications for the robot include security patrolling, short-distance delivery, search and rescue, and mobile filming.A single biped costs $7,499, and the double version is priced at $13,999, as shown on the company’s official website.Locking horns with market rivalsConceptually, the D1 robot is an upgrade over current market options, such as Boston Dynamics’ Spot robot dog. However, it’s still early to bank on the D1, given that the robot is still early in its lifecycle.Spot remains a robot dog tested across various real-world environments, making it a much more reliable option for industrial and mission-critical tasks. With the D1 robot, however, limited field data and trials currently restrict it from overshadowing its quadruped counterpart.That being said, the D1 does represent a significant leap forward with its modularity, multi-mode locomotion, and autonomous reconfiguration.If Direct Drive Tech can validate the robot’s functional capabilities in various weather conditions, it could outperform current quadrupeds in terms of flexibility, efficiency, and mission adaptability.
Ai Robot Bipeds Quadrupeds Robot Dynamics Robotics Spot
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