Unitree Robotics (Unitree) has released a new open-source full-body data set that enables its H1, H1-2, and G-1 humanoid robots to behave more naturally. The released data will also make it possible for robots to dance like humans.
The new range of motion is introduced in a video released at the same time. According to Unitree, the data was captured using LAFAN1 motion capture and includes data that is compatible with all of the company’s major available robotic units.
“The redirection algorithm combines interactive mesh and inverse kinematics techniques based on an optimization implementation while considering the robot’s end-pose constraints, joint positions, velocity constraints, etc.,” Unitree explained in a press release.
“It should be noted that redirection only takes into account kinematic constraints and does not include dynamic constraints or physical limitations of the actuator,” they added.
Unitree releases new open source dataset
Integrating lifelike motion into the new dataset will allow users to experiment with humanoid robots that interact more naturally in the real world. I hope this helps others innovate based on playing with robots.
Robotics researchers and hobbyists interested in looking at the data can find it on Unitree’s dedicated page. The data can be downloaded and used free of charge.
In case you didn’t know, Unitree’s HI and H1-2 robots are explicitly designed for high-power performance. In particular, the H1 set a Guinness World Record land speed record in March 2024 by sprinting at 7.38 miles per hour (3.3 meters per second) on flat ground.
This broke the humanoid robot speed record of 5.59 miles per hour (2.5 meters per second) set by Boston Dynamics’ Atlas. This is made possible thanks to the H1’s hollow electrical wiring, amazing freedom of movement of the legs, arms and shoulders, and articulated motors that can handle powerful performance, agility, speed, load capacity, durability and more .
The G1 model is Unitree’s basic commercial model and can be purchased for just $16,000 each. Aimed at researchers and hobbyists, the G1 is an affordable yet cutting-edge humanoid robot.
Although smaller than the H1, it is extremely agile and can be folded down to a size that can be carried by a single person. The G1 has many of the same features as the H1 and can run at nearly the same speed of 2 meters per second.
Democratizing robotics research
Unitree was founded in 2017 and is based in Hangzhou, Shanghai, China. Since then, they have become world leaders in robotics and aim to incorporate robots into our daily lives.
To this end, they want to democratize legged robots and make them as common and affordable as modern devices such as drones and smartphones.
“Unitree’s mission is to rapidly advance robotics technology and intelligent robots and integrate them into specific use case scenarios that will greatly benefit everyday life as cities and lifestyles become smarter. Unitree is a world leader in its technology. “We have more than 150 patents,” the company said in a press release.
The company also makes components such as a variety of quadrupedal “robot dogs,” robotic arms, and LiDAR. Unitree’s robots have been featured and widely recognized at many major global events, including the Super Bowl pregame show and the Olympics.
