Fast robots are here, and they are changing the rules of the game. From robot dogs that sprint like Olympic athletes to humanoids that run fluidly over difficult terrain, the speed and agility of modern robots are becoming noteworthy (I wanted to say impressive, but I didn't have the courage. Or did I?). Technologies like those of Unitree e Mirror Me are opening new frontiers in the world of robotics: have you heard about them yet?
A humanoid dancing between obstacles
Unitree G1 Bionic is the humanoid that is making people talk about itself for its balance between affordable cost and advanced performance. Just over four feet tall, it weighs 35 pounds and moves with a fluidity that resembles that of a human. With 23 degrees of freedom and powerful motors in the knees, the G1 is able to perform complex movements such as jumps, twists and even contortions to reduce its size and facilitate its transport.
Its capabilities are impressive, but the latest video released by the Chinese company shows another leap in quality: the G1 now runs on uneven surfaces and even on steep slopes, maintaining an incredibly stable pace. Although promotional videos are obviously selected to highlight the best moments, the agility demonstrated by the G1 is still a remarkable achievement: at a price of around 15.000 euros, things are starting to get serious.
A metal feline ready to challenge Bolt
If the humanoid represents the charm of balance and grace, the true symbol of speed is the quadruped Black Panther V2.0. This robot dog, developed by a team from Zhejiang University in collaboration with the startup Mirror Me, It reached a speed of 10,4 meters per second, equal to over 37 km/h. To put this figure into perspective, this is a time under 10 seconds in the 100 meters, comparable to that of a professional athlete. The key to this performance? It lies in the new shock-absorbing legs, designed to withstand high loads without breaking. With a shock-absorbing structure and non-slip rubber feet, the Black Panther combines power and durability in a high-tech design.
Fast robots in general, but slower than a cheetah. But smarter: oh god, I'm confused
Despite their vaunted successes, both fast robots are still far from matching the fastest animals on the planet, such as cheetahs, which can reach speeds three times faster. However, it is the method that is surprising: While animals use a “gallop” gait, the Black Panther V2.0 uses a gait reminiscent of a powered walk, demonstrating tremendous energy efficiency and stability that could prove crucial in future applications.
Fast Robots, From the Lab to the Real World
The race for fast robots is not just about physical performance, but their potential to revolutionize the world of work. Although still in the experimental stage today, these “runner” robots are also learning to perform complex tasks such as grasping objects, carrying them, opening doors and using tools. In the not-too-distant future, they could become essential in sectors ranging from logistics to construction, helping to fill the gaps left from the collapse of births in the most industrialized countries.
The accelerating development of robotics, both for humanoid and quadruped robots, reminds us how quickly technology is evolving. The vision of a future where humans and robots they work side by side is increasingly concrete, but it also raises important questions about safety, ethics and social impact. For now, though, it's hard not to be fascinated by the incredible progress of these fast robots that seem to have come straight out of an episode of Black Mirror. The age of robots has already begun, and it's moving faster than we ever imagined.