World’s first electric running humanoid robot goes open source in China

In a groundbreaking move for the robotics industry, China has open-sourced “Tiangong,” the world’s first full-sized humanoid robot powered entirely by electric drive and capable of running. Developed by the National and Local Co-built Embodied AI Robotics Innovation Center in Beijing, this pioneering robot is now available on an open-source platform, allowing for secondary development and encouraging collaborative advancements in robotics.

A New Era for Humanoid Robotics

The open-source release of “Tiangong” marks a significant step forward in humanoid robotics, as it allows researchers and developers to access the robot’s design documents, software tools, and development platforms. There are two versions of the robot available: Tiangong 1.0 LITE and Tiangong Pro. More technical details, including structural blueprints and system architectures, are expected to be released later this year.

Tiangong is equipped with advanced capabilities, including a steady running speed of 10 km/h and a peak speed of 12 km/h. It can navigate challenging environments such as stairs, slopes, and sand, making it ideal for a range of practical applications. For instance, the robot has already been deployed in fields like warehouse logistics and electrical plant security, demonstrating its real-world potential.

A Game-Changer for the Robotics Industry

The open-source initiative is expected to foster rapid development within the humanoid robotics space by reducing costs and promoting standardization. This move will likely stimulate innovation across the robotics supply chain and could pave the way for a new generation of humanoid robots. Prominent institutions, such as Peking University and UBTECH, have expressed optimism that Tiangong’s open platform will drive progress and collaboration in AI and robotics research.

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has identified humanoid robotics as a key sector for economic growth and technological competition. Tiangong’s open-source release aligns with China’s broader ambitions to lead in AI and robotics, positioning the country as a global leader in these cutting-edge technologies.

China’s Robotics Landscape Continues to Evolve

Tiangong is the latest milestone in China’s rapidly advancing robotics industry. Just recently, the Shanghai-based National Local Joint Humanoid Robot Innovation Center unveiled Qinglong, another state-of-the-art humanoid robot. Qinglong, which stands 185 cm tall and weighs 80 kg, marks another significant achievement in the country’s robotics capabilities. Together, Tiangong and Qinglong represent the future of humanoid robotics in China, with the potential to transform industries and everyday life.