Singapore-based company Fourier Intelligence has entered the robotics industry with a bang by introducing its new product – the GR-1 general-purpose humanoid robots. The company recently released a video that showed the impressive assembly and latest dance performance of at least a dozen of its GR-1 humanoids set for customer delivery this year.
Although these robots may not possess the agility to win any dance competitions, they provide an array of abilities that make the GR-1 more than just a caregiver.
The Fourier Intelligence team has done an impressive job of integrating functionality with a touch of creativity. The GR-1 showcases dynamic camera movements, finger wiggles, arm waves, air punches, shallow half-squats, waist twists, and even a bit of stiff-legged walking.
The GR-1’s strength lies in its robust hip actuators. The powerful 300-Nm (221-lb-ft) hip actuators of the GR-1 enable it to lift an incredible 50 kg (110 lb), nearly as much as the 1.65-meter (5.4-foot)-tall robot weighs itself at 55 kg (121 lb).
These remarkable lifting capabilities make the GR-1 perfectly suitable for tasks such as assisting patients in getting up from beds, toilets, or wheelchairs. The humanoid robots come equipped with large, purple handles attached to their hips, which provide stability and support to individuals requiring assistance.
Additionally, the screen-faced GR-1 will have a top walking speed of around 5 km/h (3 mph), and its joints will deliver a relatively modest 40 degrees of freedom using electric actuators.
The humanoid robots are part of the GR-1 project launched in 2019, addressing the increasing demand for AI-backed companionship and therapy for the aging population in China. The company has built and tested various partial and full-body prototypes since 2021.
It plans to manufacture and ship 100 units of its GR-1 general-purpose humanoid robots by the end of this year. These robots will not be fully functional general-purpose machines – they will be hardware/software platforms with basic abilities and will be mainly delivered to R&D labs. The aim is for different robotics teams to experiment with 100 different ways of enhancing these bots’ intelligence, abilities, and readiness to enter the world and make a difference.
Fourier Intelligence aims to revolutionize the healthcare industry with GR-1 humanoid robots. These robots will work together to provide efficient and compassionate care. The deployment of these humanoid robots marks significant progress towards a future where robotics and human interaction coexist harmoniously, creating a culture of support and well-being.
