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You are here: Home / Technology / Fourier unveils its next-generation humanoid robot

Fourier unveils its next-generation humanoid robot

October 8, 2024 by Geordie Torr

Shanghai-based robotics company Fourier has announced the launch of GR-2, the latest addition to its GRx series after the GR-1, the world’s first mass-produced humanoid robot.

Standing 175 centimetres and weighing 63 kilograms, GR2 offers 53 degrees of freedom (DoF) and a single-arm load capacity of three kilograms, enabling it to tackle more complex tasks. The new robot features a detachable battery with the capacity doubled, extending runtime by an hour. This upgrade boosts GR-2’s adaptability, making it capable of handling a broader range of challenges, such as long-distance walking.

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GR-2 features an integrated cabling design for power and communication transmission, allowing for concealed wires and more compact packaging. The efficient layout optimises space for easier modularisation and greater adaptiveness for application-oriented customisation.

To simplify the control system and reduce maintenance, Fourier re-designed GR-2’s joint configuration, shifting from a parallel to a serial structure. According to the company, this improves debugging, lowers manufacturing costs and enhances the robot’s ability to rapidly learn and transition from AI simulation to real-world applications.

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GR-2 introduces 12-DoF dexterous hands – double the dexterity of previous models. Designed to mirror the flexibility of human physiology, these hands can adapt to complex tasks with greater precision. Equipped with six array-type tactile sensors, GR-2 can sense force, identify object shapes and materials, and adjust its grip in real time for optimal manipulation in dynamic settings.

Supporting multiple upper-limb teaching modes – VR remote control, lead-through programming and direct command – GR-2 can record a comprehensive set of operational data, from motion paths to tactile responses. The company expects the robust data collection to bridge the gap between virtual models and real-world applications, pushing the boundaries of robot training and deployment further.

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Fourier said that it has broken new ground in humanoid robotics by incorporating human-like motion into GR-2’s design. To optimise the robot’s movement, the company developed seven distinct FSA actuators for GR-2, each tailored to meet the specific torque demands of every joint.

With peak torques exceeding 380 N.m, FSA 2.0 boosts GR-2’s agility and dynamic capabilities. The dual-encoder system doubles control accuracy, ensuring precise movements even in high-pressure environments. Designed for both speed and precision, FSA 2.0 empowers GR-2 to navigate complex tasks with greater flexibility.

Fourier prioritises the developer’s experience. The company optimised GR-2’s development platform by introducing a new software development kit compatible with mainstream programming languages such as ROS. Developers can have easy access to a robust suite of pre-optimised modules for machine vision, path planning and force feedback control through intuitive APIs.

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Supporting frameworks such as NVIDIA Isaac Lab and Mujoco, the new platform empowers developers to focus on innovation, streamlining their workflow and elevating the robotics development experience.

‘GR-2 is a big step into the future of humanoid robotics,’ said Alex Gu, CEO of Fourier. “We’re passionate about building the most intuitive embodied agent for AI, allowing it to engage with the physical world in ways like never before. Fourier is excited to have developers, researchers and enterprises join us on this incredible journey.’

Filed Under: Technology

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