Chinese researchers have unveiled ‘Black Panther 2.0’, a quadrupedal robot capable of sprinting at 10 meters per second, matching the pace of elite human sprinters. Developed by Zhejiang University’s Institute of Humanoid Robotics in collaboration with Hangzhou-based startup Mirror Me, this 38-kilogram robot stands at 0.63 meters tall and was officially introduced on January 13 in Hangzhou’s Xiaoshan District.
The development of ‘Black Panther 2.0’ began in 2018, with the team achieving multiple innovative iterations in control algorithms and hardware structures. To attain its remarkable speed, the robot is equipped with flexible springs between its leg joints, acting as shock absorbers to reduce impact on its carbon-fiber structures and maximize power output. However, the robot currently requires specific conditions, such as optimal surface quality and stable electrical power, to achieve its top speed, limiting its performance to controlled environments like treadmills.
The research team is now focusing on the next generation of ‘Black Panther’, aiming to increase its speed to 15 meters per second. This advancement is expected to expand the robot’s applications in various fields, including emergency response, rescue operations, and industrial tasks.
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