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Humanoid Robots Compete: A Race Beyond Entertainment

Recent advancements in robotics are being showcased in a unique competition where humanoid robots took center stage. While some individuals find entertainment in robots performing dances or martial arts, experts like Fern emphasize the importance of evaluating their capabilities in practical scenarios. According to Fern, mere gimmicks like running marathons hold little relevance in an age when efficiency and real-world utility are paramount. He anticipates a shift this year as manufacturers begin prioritizing functionality over spectacle, recognizing that audiences may grow weary of robots merely entertaining.

The race involved a diverse array of robots, all bipedal and designed to move without wheels, a requirement for participation. Among the competitors, the shortest robot, measuring just 2 feet 5 inches, captured the audience’s heart with its lively waves and colorful tracksuit. The standout contender, Tiangong Ultra, reached a height of 5 feet 9 inches and ultimately claimed victory.

Creativity in design was evident, as participants implemented various enhancements to gain a competitive edge. Some robots wore kid-sized sneakers, cleverly affixed to their feet to prevent slippage, while others sported knee pads to safeguard their fragile components from impacts during falls. To further optimize their performance, many robots were stripped of non-essential parts, such as fingers and heads, thereby reducing weight and lessening strain on their motors.

Tiangong Ultra, along with the second-place N2 robot from Noetix Robotics, exhibited a steady, if slow, pace during the race. However, the performance of many other humanoid competitors was marred by mishaps. One robot, Huanhuan, equipped with a humanlike head, navigated the course at a frustratingly slow pace, its head wobbling perilously as it progressed.

Another competitor, known as Shennong, presented a striking appearance that evoked images of a Frankenstein-esque creation, complete with a Gundam-like head and backward-facing drone propellers. However, Shennong’s performance was equally chaotic—after launching from the starting line, it spun in circles before crashing into a wall and causing chaos, resulting in the dismay of its handlers.

In this chaotic environment, duct tape emerged as an unsung hero. Operators ingeniously fashioned makeshift footwear for their robots using this versatile material and even secured wayward heads back onto their robots mid-race. These repairs often resulted in dramatic and unexpected scenes on the track.

Each robot was accompanied by a team of human operators—often two or three running alongside them. These individuals utilized control panels to manage speed and maneuverability, while others took on the role of obstacle clearers, guiding their robots through potential pitfalls. In some cases, operators resorted to employing what resembled pet leashes to maintain control over their humanoid companions. “Think of these robots as remote-controlled cars navigating the course, with the caveat that they lack wheels,” Fern noted, highlighting the inherent challenges in their operation.

The Future of Humanoid Robotics

The race not only served as a display of engineering prowess but also as a reflection of the evolving landscape of robotics. As audiences await the next innovations and applications, the focus may gradually shift from pure entertainment to a search for robots that can perform complex tasks autonomously. The lessons gleaned from events like this could pave the way for the next generation of humanoid robots, fostering advancements that prioritize functionality and practical utility in everyday environments.

Source
www.wired.com