Stiff to smooth: Robots take giant leap

If you thought humanoid robots all have stiff, unnatural movements, it's time to take a new look. A company in Shenzhen has taken a giant leap forward, perfecting robots capable of the smooth, organic movements of real people.

EngineAI Robotics captured the public's imagination recently with a viral video showcasing the natural walking gait and balance of its latest robot — designated the SE01 — which moves with a fluidity and stability that closely matches a human. It's smoother by far than any of its predecessors, including C-3PO of Star Wars fame, which is just plain clunky by comparison, despite its polished gold skin.

The new humanoid from Shenzhen may not be Michael Jackson when it comes to dancing — at least not yet. But it has ignited discussions about the potential for robots to become part of everyday life, from doing household chores to industrial tasks. Let your imagination run wild.

After watching a video of the SE01 in action, Jim Fan, a senior AI researcher at NVIDIA said on social media that "it's hard to tell CGI vs Sora vs real".

Zhao Tongyang, founder and chairman of EngineAI Robotics, said he believes "that humanoid robots will undoubtedly enter households within the next 10 years, but now it is similar to the early days of smartphones, where constant iterations are needed so the performance and cost-effectiveness will continue to improve".

Standing 170 cm tall, the SE01 humanoid robot resembles an adult in size and weight, and it's equipped with an end-to-end neural network and integrated harmonic joint modules. It is primarily designed for home companionship and industrial applications such as assembly line work or as an aid to developing real-world manual procedures for factories.